Work: smart working growing in 2023, first experiments with short weeks and unlimited holidays 

Lo smart working in Italy is growing again: after the peaks recorded in the hardest period of the pandemic and the gradual reduction in the last two years, in 2023 they worked remotely 3,585 million workers, slightly up on the 3,570 million in 2022, but 541% more than pre-Covid. And the increase will continue. In fact, in 2024 it is estimated that smart working will affect 3,65 million people. 

These are the numbers contained in the research of the Smart Working Observatory of the School of Management Politecnico di Milano presented today during the conference "Refocusing on smart working: necessity, convention or conscious choice?". 

Large companies are driving smart working

According to the study, in 2023 smart working grew especially in big business, where over one worker in two, equal to 1,88 million people, works remotely, but also in pmi (there are 570 thousand, 10% of the potential audience). Remote workers, however, continued to decline in micro-enterprises (620 thousand workers, 9% of the total) and in Public administrations (515.000 employees, 16%). 

96% of large companies envisage Smart Working initiatives largely with structured models, with 20% of companies committed to extending the application to previously excluded technical and operational profiles. In SMEs, Smart Working is present in 56% of companies and is often applied instead informal models managed at team level; while in the public sector, where it is present in six out of ten organisations, these are structured initiatives but mostly limited to larger entities.

The effects of smart working on the environment and the real estate market

Smart working is good for the environment. According to the calculations of the Polytechnic University of Milan, two days a week of remote working they avoid the emission of 480 kilograms of Co2 per year per person thanks to the reduction in travel and less use of offices. 

Strong effects were also found on Real Estate Market and on city. In fact, research shows that 14% of those who work remotely, one person in seven, have moved house or decided to do so, in most cases choosing peripheral areas or small cities in search of a different lifestyle, with a relaunch effect for various areas of the country. 

A change that has generated territorial marketing initiatives and new services, like new connectivity infrastructures or coworking spaces. On the other hand, 44% of those who work remotely have already done so – at least occasionally – from places other than their home, such as coworking spaces, other company offices or other places in the city.

Smart working is not always smart

“In 2023, Smart Working in Italy will grow again, but it remains numerous barriers to its mature application. Too often Smart Working is considered simple remote work or a tool for worker welfare and protection – explains Mariano Corso, Scientific Director of the Smart Working Observatory -. It is therefore necessary to 'refocus' Smart Working, identifying it for what it really is: not a compromise or a necessary evil, not even a purchasing right or an end in itself, but an innovation tool to redesign the relationship between workers and the organization ”.

“A fundamental role in Smart Working is played by manager who must juggle potentially conflicting needs: ensuring well-being and flexibility for people, keeping motivation high and guaranteeing company results. – says Fiorella Crespi, Director of the Smart Working Observatory -. It needs to be done training and coaching to improve managerial skills by making managers capable of clearly assigning objectives, supporting people in pursuing the most challenging ones, providing frequent and constructive feedback, encouraging professional growth. A "smart" leadership style allows you to improve people's engagement, well-being and performance."

The future of smart working

Smart working entered the job market during the pandemic, carrying out an epochal revolution. Despite the ups and downs in the figures, remote working is here to stay. According to the study, practically all large companies plan to maintain Smart Working in the future, only 6% declare themselves uncertain in this regard. 

The PA, on the other hand, is more uncertain: 20% do not know how the initiative will evolve, a hesitancy that is felt especially in smaller organizations. SMEs follow: 19% do not know how or if their organization will include Smart Working. Overall, a growth in the number of workers involved is expected by 2024, which is estimated to reach 3,65 million.

First short week experiments in Italy

The Observatory of the Polytechnic University of Milan underlines how, alongside the Smart Working growth, 2023 also saw the start of experiments with new forms of flexibility at work, including that of short week, also applicable to profiles who cannot currently benefit from remote work.

Fewer than one in 4 large companies experiment with the 10-day week. The most famous examples are Lavazza and Intesa Sanpaolo. In most cases, these are pilot experiences, often limited to short periods. 
Among other forms of flexibility, 3% of large companies have introduced unlimited holidays, 41% have eliminated clockings. 44% are experiencing the “Temporary distant working” which involves being able to work completely remotely for a few weeks or even several months, continuously, in some cases even from abroad.