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In 2024, the competition ratio for general administration exams for government employees is 211.4, with an overall average competition ratio of 21.8. While becoming a government employee is not easy, statistics reveal a concerning trend: over a thousand government employees resigned within their first year, and over 13,000 resign within five years. Additionally, applications for extreme elective leave in 2022 increased by 90% compared to 2021. Tragically, five government employees have reportedly died by suicide in just one month, all with less than two years of service. These alarming statistics prompt an analysis of the causes behind such occurrences and the proposal of possible solutions.
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On April 8, 2024, a government official involved in early voting passed away. She was required to wake up at 3:30 AM for two consecutive days to fulfill her duties, which extended beyond 14 hours each day, all for minimum pay. Although her death has not been officially attributed to overwork, it echoes a similar incident during the previous local election, where a government employee engaged in early voting died, recognized as a result of overwork. Despite this recognition, little has changed, as government employees in charge of early voting continue to endure long hours without the option to change shifts.
Another tragic incident occurred on May 5, 2024, when a government employee from the road management department took his own life. Due to the nature of his job, he was constantly inundated with complaints, receiving nearly 50 malicious calls the day before his death. According to the Federation of Korean Government Employees' Union, his computer displayed the haunting words "It’s too tough," revealing the toll of incessant personal attacks and complaints.
The fundamental reason behind these tragedies is the overwhelming stress stemming from excessive workloads. The Korean administrative system, which mandates the acceptance of all complaints, exacerbates the issue. Deaths of government employees due to malicious civil complaints have persisted as a significant problem. Furthermore, the influx of new level 9 officials tasked with assuming the responsibilities of retired level 7 to 8 officials further burdens the system.
To address this crisis, reforms are required. Revising the complaint filing process, such as limiting the number of complaints or requiring formal documentation, is essential. Additionally, safeguarding the personal information of government employees and penalizing those who submit malicious complaints promptly are necessary measures. Moreover, enhancing training programs for new government employees is crucial, as they exhibit the lowest resignation rates.
In conclusion, ensuring the well-being and welfare of government employees is a paramount societal responsibility. Creating a stable and healthy work environment for them benefits us all. This necessitates sustained social attention and concerted efforts towards reform.
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