The implementation of a remote work program in an italian municipality before covid-19suggestions to hr officers for the post-covid-19 era

  1. Salvatore Zappalà 1
  2. Ferdinando Toscano 1
  3. Gabriela Topa 2
  1. 1 Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
  2. 2 Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, National University of Distance Education
Journal:
EJIHPE: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

ISSN: 2174-8144,  2254-9625

Year of publication: 2021

Volume: 11

Issue: 3

Pages: 866-877

Type: Article

DOI: 10.3390/EJIHPE11030064 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openDialnet editor

More publications in: EJIHPE: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

Sustainable development goals

Abstract

This case study describes the implementation stages and some outcomes of a remote work program that was adopted in an Italian municipality before the COVID-19 pandemic. This research used a qualitative case study approach, proposing a semi-structured interview with 14 staff members (six remote-worker employees, their respective managers, and two intermediate-level managers) about the experience with the remote work program. In addition, two researchers attended two preparatory program meetings. The evidence shows that, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was mainly performed at home, for one or two days a week. Together with their manager, remote workers decided the tasks to perform remotely and the criteria to monitor remote work. Furthermore, employees appreciated the remote work program, perceiving themselves to be more productive in their work. Elements of this case study may be relevant for companies that aim to move from an emergency to a more planned remote work.

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