Despite expectations of a possible reduction after the pandemic, Smart working continues to establish itself in Italy, highlighting renewed interest in 2023 that’s also good for the environment. The figure of remote working professionals in our country is 3.585 million, which shows a marginal increase compared to 3.570 million in 2022.A significant increase of 541% compared to pre-Covid period, Further growth is projected for 2024, bringing the total to 3.65 million smart workers in Italy.
The development of smart working that is good for the environment
Analyzing the year 2023, it comes to the fore that the growth of smart working is the highest. big business, which comprises more than half of the sector’s workers, equivalent to 1.88 million people. SMEs recorded small but significant growth, It consists of 570,000 employees, corresponding to 10% of the potential audience. In contrast, declines were observed in micro-enterprises (620,000 workers, 9% of the total) and public administration (515,000 workers, 16%).
An important aspect of smart working is positive contribution to the environment, With remote work two days per week, Avoids emissions of 480 kg CO2 per person per year, thanks to less travel and less use of traditional offices. This change in working paradigm also impacts the real estate market and residential lifestyle. 14% of smart professionals have moved house Or is considering doing so with clear priority to peripheral areas or small towns. This trend not only represents the search for a different lifestyle, but also has a positive impact on less central areas of the country, contributing to the revitalization of various communities.
Analysis on the Italian Smart Worker
However, not everyone who works remotely can be considered “real” smart worker, This distinction applies to those who, Also doing their work remotelythey enjoy Flexible schedule and working toward specific objectives, These professionals show higher levels of well-being and engagement than colleagues who traditionally work in person. Interestingly, employees who work only remotely, without autonomy and responsibility, have lower levels of well-being than their on-site counterparts. However, “real” smart workers face challenges like technological stress and overwork.
The success of smart working is intrinsically linked to the role of managers. There The presence of a “smart” boss, being able to specify clear objectives, provide frequent and constructive feedback, promote professional development and communicate strategic directions, translates into higher levels of well-being and performance for employees. A “smart” leadership approach can improve the engagement, well-being and overall performance of those involved. These results have emerged from extensive research conducted bySmart Working Observatory of the Management School of the Polytechnic of Milan,
Degree of development of smart working
Companies that have developed “mature smart working initiatives” considering i four fundamental pillars (organizational policies, technologies, restructuring of locations, behavior and leadership styles), producing better results in the ability to attract talent, inclusivity, engagement and work-life balance. Large companies lead the ranking with 52% being mature on all dimensions, followed by PAs (16%) and SMEs (15%).
-
organizational policies
Most big companies offer Autonomy and flexibility in choosing place and time, within the framework of defined rules. 58% have guidelines and forms of “etiquette” for running activities, in smeinstead, There are often informal policies related to remote working.But not flexibility of time or autonomy in managing activities.
-
Leadership Behaviors and Styles
59% large private companies and 20% of PAs have activated training initiatives for managers and associates On managing remote teams.
-
technologies
Organizations are generally at a good level, thanks to a generalized development of skills Because of the technological boom brought about by the pandemic.
-
reorganizing spaces
The level of maturity is still limited. Only 38% of majors and 13% of PAs Activity is on How to use corporate environment properly, However, 35% of large companies and 18% of PAs have plans to overhaul the spaces.
Future prospects and new forms of smart working
Looking to the future, virtually all large companies are planning Only 6% are unsure about this decision, keep working smart, In PA, there is more uncertainty, 20% do not know how the initiative will develop, SMEs also show similar hesitation, with 19% unsure whether or not to implement smart working. Overall, the number of workers involved is expected to increase, reaching an estimated figure of 3.65 million by 2024.
In addition to smart working, the recent year has seen the launch of Experiment with new forms of workplace flexibility, including the short week. Less than 10% of large companies have experimented with this practice with pilot experiences, often limited to short periods. Apart from this, 3% of big companies have introduced unlimited holidays. 41% have stopped clocking inAnd 44% are experimenting with “temporary remote work,” which allows you to work completely remotely for a few weeks or even several months, even abroad in some cases. Me too.
smart work in public administration
The Council of Ministers made an important announcement Expansion for smart working in Italy, Expansion of likely by the end of the year by and public employee weak. The move, which received funding of €1.67 million, represents an important step in promoting equality between the public and private sectors. The extension was proposed by Minister of Public Services Paolo Zangrillo, and received the support of the MEF, providing another period of work flexibility for those most at risk.
The decision of the Council of Ministers accepted the requests of the Union, underlining the commitment of the Union Maintain continuity of smart working measures, The expansion of smart working is a recognition of the importance of this working method within public administration while ensuring the safety of vulnerable workers. Extension not only responds needs of government employees It also offers an important innovation for teachers in delicate but agile working conditions.