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LG Uplus Corp. created a new benefit for employees who chose not to marry. This “Non-Marriage” bonus is said to be a first in the industry.
As per The Korea Times, LG Uplus launched the new perk in keeping with the demands of the company’s unionized workers, who are looking to eliminate what they consider an old-fashioned conception of how a major life choice should be acknowledged.
The “non-marriage” benefit was implemented and in fact, an unmarried male staff of LG Uplus Corp. already received this benefit. The mobile network operator said that what was given to him was something similar to what newly married employees have received.
The unnamed employee has also become the first employee to be granted a one-month's base salary and five days of paid leave since LG Uplus introduced the benefit. The company said they added this perk to give a boost to its benefit program, which has been revised to show consideration for the more diverse life choices of its staff.
Employees who are unmarried and aged 38 or older are eligible for the “non-marriage” benefit. He or she must also have at least five years of work experience. They must also remain single for at least two years after availing the benefit.
In case they get married in less than two years, they must return the full amount to LG Uplus. Moreover, if they decide to get married later after enjoying the benefits for some time, they will no longer be eligible for further benefits.
"I am happy to say that I have become the first to seek the new benefit, which I have always wanted," the first recipient of LG Uplus’ “non-marriage” benefit wrote on the company’s intranet on Monday, Jan. 2. "Me declining to marry is nothing more than a description of me in the context of marital status, and it doesn't mean in any way that I live alone. Everybody has different life choices and different circumstances."
LG Uplus also commented, "We are happy that the new benefit is drawing positive responses as we value the opinions of employees."
