On January 9, GS Retail announced its participation in the “Overcoming Low Birthrate Crisis Relay Challenge,” a campaign initiated by leading economic organizations to tackle the nation’s low birthrate issues while promoting a work-family balance culture. Through this initiative, the company expresses its commitment to fostering a family-friendly corporate environment.
Seok Yoon-seon, the head of GS Retail’s human resources division, participated in the challenge by sharing a photo on the official GS25 social media account, holding a placard showcasing the company’s policies to encourage higher birthrates. GS Retail’s key initiatives include promoting parental leave, offering financial support for childbirth-related medical expenses, providing childcare assistance, and operating an in-house daycare facility. Additionally, the company offers support for school tuition and infertility-related leave.
GS Retail’s “I Love Baby Leave System” extends parental leave beyond the statutory requirement, offering an additional year of leave per child. The company also encourages male employees to take advantage of parental leave to promote a more inclusive, family-oriented workplace.
In a bid to support employees financially, GS Retail provides assistance for childcare costs during various stages of a child’s life. For children aged 0 to 4, the company covers childcare fees, while differentiated support for kindergarten costs is available for children aged 5 to 6. Tuition assistance is also provided from high school through to college.
The company has also implemented a multi-child birth support system to further incentivize larger families. Employees are eligible for childbirth support payments, starting with 100,000 won for the first child, 2 million won for the second, 3 million won for the third, and 5 million won for the fourth and beyond. Additionally, GS Retail covers up to 50% of medical and examination expenses related to childbirth and offers leave for infertility treatments.
A notable feature of GS Retail’s policy is its support for GS25 franchise owners. Prospective franchisees with two or more children under 18 years old are eligible for a 2 million won discount when starting a new business. Childbirth supplies are also provided to franchise owners or their spouses upon the birth of a child.
Seok Yoon-seon emphasized, “We are committed to continuing the development of family-friendly policies as part of our corporate social responsibility.” Through these initiatives, GS Retail is leading the charge in promoting a culture that supports both family life and career aspirations.
Related topics:
India’s Declining Fertility: A New Challenge for Economic Growth and Sustainability
Growing Male Infertility Crisis: Urgent Need for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment
Men Urged to Seek Support During Fertility Struggles Amid Growing Emotional Toll
