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

• Salvatore Zappalà ^[1] ; Ferdinando Toscano ^[1] ; Gabriela Topa ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Bologna

     University of Bologna

     Bolonia, Italia

     
  2. [2] Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

     Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

     Madrid, España

     
• Localización: EJIHPE: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, ISSN 2174-8144, ISSN-e 2254-9625, Vol. 11, Nº. 3, 2021, págs. 866-877
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
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• Resumen

  • 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.