Minister of Gender Equality and Family Cho Yoon-sun visited the headquarters of SK Innovation in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Wednesday as part of her initiative to promote family-friendly working environments and also to repay a visit by the energy firm’s vice chairman and CEO Koo Ja-young.

“A family-friendly work environment is important not only for corporations but also for the nation to maintain sustainable development and be prepared for the low birthrate and aging society,” the minister said.

She briefly checked out some of the firm’s facilities such as a ladies’ break room and a center for psychological counseling, which are provided to all workers free of charge.

“I hope SK Innovation, as an exemplary model for other companies, plays a leading role in promoting such policies to build a healthy work environment,” she said.

Koo had earlier in the day given a lecture on family-friendly business management for public servants at the ministry.

Last year, SK Innovation received a Presidential Medal for a corporate culture promoting family life.

The growing number of actively working women has been prompting the need for creating a good work environment in Korea, especially for the working moms, has recently been a major social issue in Korea due to the lack of child care facilities and their added burden of housework.

Minister Cho’s visit was aimed at hearing the voices of the working women and their satisfaction with the company’s policies for them.

“I will try to persuade corporate chiefs that welfare policies for family are not a financial burden but a long-term investment,” Minister Cho said at a meeting with vice chairman Koo and seven SK workers in their 30s and 40s who utilize the free day care service at the firm.

She also promised to reflect the ideas and advice of employees in the government’s family policies.

(wone0102@heraldcorp.com)