Smart Working: the case study of O.ME.R. S.p.a.

Abstract

The world economic and social landscape has undergone heavy changes due to the Sars-Covid-19 pandemic that struck our planet. This emergency has, in fact, forced companies to react and implement changes to sustain and continue their activities. The impossibility for workers to have direct contact with each other, to avoid contagion, and the increasing use of technology, has pushed the same companies to approach, very often for the first time, Smart Working. This paper aims to explore and analyse the theme of Smart Working, trying to understand if companies and workers who use this mode draw the many benefits described in the literature. In particular, we will carefully explore the phenomenon of Smart Working, analysing not only the benefits, but also the risks associated with its implementation and using a dual perspective; that of the worker and that of the company. To support this, a survey conducted in a medium-sized company in Veneto, called O.ME.R. S.p.a., will be presented. Specifically, the data will be collected through a questionnaire submitted to the 32 Smart Workers and the same, together with an interview with the owner, will be fundamental to understand if and how this tool can be included in the strategic plan and organizational policies of O.ME.R. S.p.a. The questionnaire has been the fundamental tool to confirm the hypothesis elaborated at the beginning of this work, that is the presence of a positive relationship between Smart Working, job satisfaction and work life balance. In fact, the results of the questionnaire show that Smart Working helps workers to feel more satisfied, more in balance with their personal life commitments, making them feel better and making them not only more motivated, but also more productive, thus creating value in organizations. In addition, the variability of the questionnaire made it possible to also assess sub-variables such as productivity and the validity of the tools adopted during this experience. The answers collected have therefore shown how Smart Working has been a pleasant discovery by the employees of O.ME.R. S.p.a. and the owner and this result will be an important starting point to implement this model in the future daily dynamics of the organization, as a win-win solution for both individuals and the company.