Samsung mandates 6-day executive workweeks for crisis management

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong inspects the MLCC production facility during his visit to Samsung Electro-Mechanics in Tianjin, China, on March 24, 2023./Samsung Electronics

Samsung Group is expanding the practice of “executive 6-day workweeks” from select affiliates like Samsung Electronics to its entire conglomerate. According to recent findings by The Chosunilbo, personnel teams from affiliates such as Samsung SDI, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Display recently instructed executives to dedicate one weekend day to work. Consequently, Samsung executives are now rearranging their weekend plans.

Rationale for the Decision

The decision to enforce the policy across the group is seen as a response to the urgent need for crisis management. With Samsung Electronics facing tough competition in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor market, a sense of urgency permeates throughout the group. Therefore, the directive aims to mobilize executives in collectively overcoming this crisis. Rather than formal memos, personnel team leaders conveyed the policy verbally or through executive group chats and emails. An executive from a Samsung affiliate explained, “Given the current challenges facing Samsung Electronics, if it falters, the impact won’t just be limited to our affiliates but could affect the entire national economy. Hence, recommending the 6-day workweek is about fostering a sense of shared responsibility in overcoming the crisis.” Another executive noted, “Given that many executives are already working a 6-day week, this move seems to signal heightened urgency in times of crisis.”

Internal Reactions

Internally, opinions within Samsung Group are divided on the executive 6-day workweek policy. One executive remarked, “This decision implies that we are truly in a crisis,” and emphasized, “Especially during times like these, executives should lead by example and demonstrate active participation in overcoming challenges.” Conversely, there are voices questioning whether adhering to a 6-day workweek aligns with contemporary trends while striving to overcome the crisis. There are also concerns that extending the executive 6-day workweek policy across the group may eventually lead to regular employees also working a 6-day week. In response to this concern, a Samsung spokesperson clarified, “Alongside the recommendation for executive 6-day workweeks, directives were also issued ensuring that employees below the managerial level should not be compelled to work a 6-day week under any circumstances.”