South Korea’s Lotte Department Store plans to expand welfare benefits for its employees living alone by extending support beyond residence safety to include assistance with meal preparation and home cleaning.

This tailored welfare policy aims to boost morale of employees among the increasing proportion of single-person households within the workforce.

According to industry sources on Sunday, Lotte Department Store plans to introduce a Home Safety Service this week for employees that live alone in collaboration with specialized service companies.

The service involves 24-hour safety management through a dedicated button for reporting crimes or health-related emergencies, prompting security personnel to respond immediately.

It integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology with closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed at the entrance, allowing employees to monitor real-time situations outside their front doors through a mobile app.

In case of unfamiliar individuals loitering near the entrance, an automatic detection system notifies the employee at home.

Lotte Department Store will also support its employees with services such as a subscription service for side dishes, laundry and repairs, and home cleaning.

For single employees struggling to manage household chores alone, the company will provide assistance with cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Employees can freely avail themselves of affiliated services within the allocated budget based on their job position.

This expansion of welfare benefits for single-person households reflects the changing trends in household composition and lifestyle choices.

Recognizing limitations in the effectiveness of welfare benefits centered around married and parenting households, Lotte Department Store aims to address the needs of single and childless employees.

According to Statistics Korea, the number of single-person households in Korea increased to 7.5 million in 2022 from 5.85 million in 2018, comprising more than one third of all households.

“It is only natural to increase support related to childbirth and parenting,” said a company employee. “We aim to ensure that single-person household employees who do not benefit from such perks do not feel marginalized in the welfare system.”

Lotte Department Store gained attention in September 2022 when it was the first in the industry to introduce a support system for unmarried employees aged 40 and above in their individual expenses for congratulations and condolences.

This program offers the same payment of 500,000 won ($380) and five days of paid leave as those provided for married employees.

By Park Hong-ju and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]