KB Kookmin Bank said on Tuesday it will introduce a "one-hour early leave on Fridays" scheme that reduces working hours by 1 hour every Friday.

The scheme was designed in line with the government's push to cut actual working hours, to improve employees' work-life balance and boost work efficiency. It also aims to ease the burden on employees who juggle work with family responsibilities such as childcare and caregiving, and to establish a more flexible organisational culture.

The scheme is set to be formally implemented from March 6 after a voluntary rollout on Feb. 27.

The bank's business hours will remain unchanged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a result, there will be no change in customers' use of teller services, and it plans to operate the scheme to ensure financial services are provided without disruption.

Branches and specialised outlets with separately set hours, including the "9To6 Bank" and the Incheon International Airport branch, will also maintain their existing business hours.

A KB Kookmin Bank official said the policy is a measure to improve the working environment with work-life balance in mind. The official added the bank will continue efforts to improve working conditions and provide customers with stable financial services.