Smart Working: is it true that you don't work from home?

The concept of Smart Working has gained popularity in recent years, especially since the pandemic. But there is still a lot of confusion about what it really means and whether agile working really means working from home. In this article we will explore the challenges and benefits of remote working, highlighting the flexibility it offers.

What is Smart Working?

Smart Working (Agile Work)is a way of working that allows employees to perform their tasks in a location other than the traditional office, whether it is at home, a café, or a co-working space. This mode is based on a few key characteristics:

• Flexibility: The ability to choose where and when to work.
• Autonomy: Employees can manage their time according to their own needs.
• Technology: Using digital tools to collaborate and communicate.

Many see agile work as an ideal option, but there are also some important considerations to keep in mind. (Ministry of Education and Merit, 2017)

Benefits of agile work

According to the research of the Digital Innovation Observers Politecnico di Milano the benefits of agile work are for:

• Companies:
• • productivity improvement;
  • Reduction in absenteeism;
  • Reduced costs for physical spaces.
• Workers:
• • Reducing transfer time and costs;
  • Improving work-life balance;
  • Increased motivation and satisfaction.
• Environment:
• • Reduction of CO2 emissions;
  • traffic reduction.

The Challenges of Smart Working

The main disadvantages experienced by workers are difficulty maintaining a work-life balance, perceived sense of isolation toward the team and the company, and stress due to intensive use of digital technologies.

Is Smart Working for You?

I Data from the Smart Working Observatory of the Milan Polytechnic Institute of Technology. show that the number of remote workers in 2024 Is essentially stable: 3.55 million compared with 3.58 million in 2023 (-0.8%). Italian smart workers have an average of 9 days per month in large enterprises, 6.6 in small and medium enterprises, and 7 days in public administration.

In summary, smart working offers many opportunities, but it also requires discipline. It is true that you do not always work from home; this model can adapt to your personal and professional needs. If you are considering adopting this work mode, carefully weigh the pros and cons.