Hyundai Motor has recently made a significant change by hiring female production workers through open recruitment for the first time in its history. Out of the 200 employees recruited this year, six were women, accounting for 3 percent of the total hires, according to the Korean Metal Workers’ Union.
This move marks a positive step toward inclusivity and gender diversity in the company’s manufacturing line. Previously, there were no women hired through the open recruitment process, although Hyundai currently employs approximately 500 women, making up 2 percent of the total production line workforce.
The company’s decision to hire additional employees for its production line came in response to the demands of its labour union, which sought the recruitment of 700 more workers by the following year. The company conducted an employment exam, and 200 applicants successfully passed and were offered positions.
The recruitment process witnessed immense interest, with around 180,000 candidates applying for the job, causing the company’s website to crash temporarily.
Hyundai Motor has long been an attractive employer for production workers due to its competitive salary and renowned employee benefits. These benefits include discounts on cars, financial assistance for medical expenses, and support for children’s tuition fees.
In 2021, the average annual salary for Hyundai Motor’s production line workers was 96 million won ($73,000), which was close to surpassing the 100-million-won mark achieved in the previous year.
This favourable compensation package further enhances the company’s appeal to prospective employees. The recent recruitment of female workers through open hiring is expected to pave the way for more women to join Hyundai’s production line in the future, fostering a more diverse workforce.