- In-house counseling program for employees suffering from “Corona-depression”
- Certified psychologists for employees and family including non-contact consultation to prevent infection 

## Lee Seon-mi (not her real name, 39), a working mom with 2 children, has been married for 8 years. She has been stressing over deepening concerns due to the delayed school season including kindergarten caused by COVID-19. Thanks to the flexible work and work from home system, she and her husband take turns taking care of the children at home or sometimes ask her parents for childcare, but both arrangements are not satisfactory. The COVID-19 created a hodgepodge of situations, making her confused and edgy. Now, she feels the urgent need to talk to someone about her concerns. ## 

## Kim Seong-su (not his real name, 35) has been working for the company for 4 years. His love of meeting people made him join diverse in-house clubs in the company, but the recent emphasis on social distancing due to COVID-19 prevents all kinds of activities with club members. He could not work out enough as his favorite fitness center had to shut down operation, and the result is the back pain caused by more fat around the belly, another source of stress. ## 

A company is drawing attention amid the spread of COVID-19 for its in-house counseling service to take care of employees who are stressing over the COVID-19 situation. 

POSCO ICT (President: Son Geon-jae) is offering a free counseling program courtesy of its own counseling team in major regions throughout Korea for its employees and their families who are experiencing depression and helplessness due to COVID-19.
 
Many people are distressed as the situation is extended; a new term, “Corona-blues,” has even been coined to describe the depression from long self-containment. Now, the company has stepped up to support its employees. Especially the company noted that more and more employees are having difficulties from the stress of childcare caused by delayed school seasons including daycare centers. 

Employees of POSCO ICT can pay a visit to the counseling center in the Pangyo HQ or regional offices in Pohang, Gwangyang, and Seoul for free consultation service. The counseling program even covers the family members of employees, and the service includes non-contact consultation to prevent infection.
 
POSCO ICT also launched a campaign to exchange messages of appreciation and support to spread the mindset of positivity throughout the organization. A dedicated app for the campaign has been developed for PC and smart devices. The app, “Thank-you-token,” allows the user to appoint the recipient of support or appreciation first and then send a message including a beverage coupon. According to the company, more and more employees are using the app to support each other amid the stress from the COVID-19 situation. In addition, the Righteous Management Group (Audit) of the company is running the system of opening a popup window with “Today’s Fun” when employees report for work and log in to the intranet so that they can start the day with a smile. 

“We operate an in-house program with certified consultants so that employees can talk to them about issues from childcare and work-related difficulties, and we are even enhancing the service as more employees are distressed over the extended COVID-19 situation,” a member of POSCO ICT’s Safety and Hygiene Group commented.