Korean Offices Are Calling Workers Back, and Your Adult Class Already Picked a Side

Discussion: Back to the Office

Since 2023, several major Korean companies — including Samsung and SK hynix — have ended or reduced the flexible/remote work options they offered during the pandemic. Employees at these firms are now expected back at their desks most or all of the week.

Vocabulary

• return-to-office (RTO) — a company policy requiring staff back in the workplace
• hybrid work — splitting the week between office and home
• flexibility — freedom to choose when/where you work
• productivity — how much useful work gets done

Discuss in pairs, then share with the class:

1. Did your company's remote work policy change recently?
2. Is judging staff by office attendance fair?
3. Does remote work hurt teamwork for junior employees?
4. Office or remote, same pay — which would you choose?
5. Is this really about output, or about control?

Finish the sentence: "If I ran my company, I would ___."