South Korea’s leading wireless carrier SK Telecom Co. is subsidizing its entire work force of around 5,000 in their purchase of gadgets to support their remote working.

SK Telecom will introduce a new system that provides employees funds to buy work-use IT devices. The move comes to support employees to buy digital devices necessary to create a better working environment at home.

Under the scheme, each of all 5,000 SK Telecom employees will receive 400,000 mileage next month, which is equivalent to 400,000 won ($341.8) in cash. The company plans to provide 200,000 mileage to employees every year from 2022.

The latest idea is known to have reflected the work spirit pursued by the company’s chief executive and president Park Jung-ho who has been up front in promoting innovation to prepare for post COVID-19 era. The CEO has made the decision to provide mileage to employees after recent discussion with the labor union.

The move is aimed at accelerating its digital transformation efforts by shifting not only operations but also operation method after the COVID-19 outbreak. It would also improve overall work satisfaction of employees.

Under the system, employees can purchase IT devices needed for work such as tablets, mouse, monitor, and keyboard. The mileage – which will not be registered as company asset – will be accumulated in each employee’s account during years of service. The mileage will be distributed to employees via its own mobile platform such as through SK Pay.

SK Telecom, meanwhile, has been putting out efforts to bring innovation through digital transformation since the outbreak of COVID-19. The company was the first in all industry sectors to introduce remote working system in the end of February. In June, it also announced plans to expand base offices after a company-wide management meeting.

SK Telecom has also developed several non-face-to-face services such as T Group Call which enables conference calling of up to 100 employees and group-based virtual meeting service Meet Us to enhance IT infrastructure. The company was also the talk of the town when it carried out an untact study session on cloud transformation for the group.

By Lim Young-sin and Lee Eun-joo

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