Smart working is an agile approach to work that promotes flexibility and facilitates work-life balance. It is a perspective based on technology, which is supported by automation and provides greater value to employees and organizations than pure teleworking, which is why it can provide numerous benefits to your company.
For many, it is the result of social and economic pressures on the company. For others, the essential thing about Smart working is innovation, the factor that makes it possible. In reality, both points of view are true, because what is clear is that this new way of working is not a passing fad, it is here to stay… As long as the company culture makes it possible for it to be established in the organization, of course. .
What is Smart working? Definition
Smart working is the organizational model that characterizes the agile company, which has its employees distributed in different territories, time zones and locations, but connected to each other and to business objectives thanks to technology.
By applying this approach, keeping your workforce engaged becomes more important and challenging than ever. Instead of micromanaging or blocking smart workers with restrictive policies, companies need a vision and management approach supported by the right tools . They need a platform through which they can communicate this vision and inspire teams to work at their best.
Workers must be able to obtain data, access essential systems, be guaranteed contact with their peers and managers and feel part of something with a greater purpose.
Smart working is not exactly the same as teleworking
Teleworking represents partial flexibility , since it is mainly based on replacing the workplace with the home. This means that the employer’s control over the location of work and precise schedules is maintained.
On the other hand, Smart working implies greater flexibility , in different facets. We are talking about flexible work schedules and places, including allowing the employee to decide the times at which to start and end their day, as long as the agreed availability schedule is met.
Smart working allows employees to better manage their time and do it according to their preferences. They can take long or short breaks for personal or family reasons, and can adapt their work schedule to changes in life circumstances. This increases their satisfaction and the balance between work and personal spheres.
For companies there can also be many benefits , such as talent retention and reduction in days of absence, a decrease in fixed costs, a positive boost to the employer brand by reducing the gender gap and greater competitiveness.
Advantages and disadvantages of Smart working
Smart working is positive for society in general, as it is a sustainable commitment to progress , contributes to closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas, favors the repopulation of emptied territories, improves the labor integration of people with disabilities and favors hiring more diverse profiles.
For companies, as well as for all workers who are experimenting with this new approach, Smart working has advantages and disadvantages that may be interesting to know.
Benefits of Smart working for employees
- Greater autonomy.
- Increased job satisfaction.
- Better family conciliation.
- More flexibility.
- Reduction of distractions.
- Decrease in stress levels.
Disadvantages of Smart working for employees
- Social distance.
- Reduced visibility if you don’t have the right tools.
- Difficulties advancing in the professional career.
- Possible problems of loss of motivation.
Pros of Smart working for organizations
- Greater flexibility.
- Cost reduction.
- Greater effectiveness in recruitment.
- Simplified people management, when you have the necessary tools.
- Increased staff commitment.
- Reduction in absenteeism problems.
- Increased productivity.
Cons of Smart working for organizations
- Greater difficulty in generating a feeling of belonging in the team.
- Decreased mentoring opportunities.
- Slowing down the transmission of knowledge, if the appropriate tools are not available.
- Need to develop specific skills.
Application of Smart working in your company
As we said at the beginning of the article, Smart working is, above all, a cultural issue. However, it is necessary to make some strategic and tactical decisions that make its application possible in the company.
If you want to implement the Smart working model in your organization, you need to establish certain guidelines and train employees beforehand. This will limit any confusion or uneven or unfair implementation.
Additionally, it is advisable to follow these steps:
- Identify the people and roles that can benefit from this type of approach.
- Establish objectives and specify how the initiative will be monitored during the transition to Smart working .
- Define clear procedures, policies and rules to govern work, paying special attention to communication and management.
- Implement the tools that will facilitate Smart working.
Also Read: PCs, The Operational Base For Smart Working
