The Future of Smart Working in 2024: Evolutions and Perspectives
31.10.2023
The world of agile work in Italy has undergone significant transformation over the years, and in 2024 it continues to redefine the country's work landscape. With the experience gained over time, agile work has gained stability, but at the same time has generated new challenges and questions. Let's see what the future of smart working holds in 2024.
Smart Working in Italy: A Continuously Evolving Revolution
From its peak during the 2020 lockdown, the number of smart workers in Italy has stabilized at around 2 million. This work mode has become an essential element in the lives of many companies and workers. However, its adoption and regulation continue to evolve. In 2023, the Budget Law had extended the possibility of adopting smart working until June 30th, but what will happen in 2024?
Forecasts suggest that agile work will maintain a prominent position in the future. Experts point to the likelihood of further extensions for the most vulnerable workers after June 2024, as well as the possibility of new regulations that will guide this work mode towards greater stability and regulation.
The International Situation of Smart Working
To have a complete view of the state of smart working in 2024, it's important to examine what's happening worldwide. Countries like China have adopted a restrictive policy on agile work, allowing it only in response to exceptional situations. For example, after tightening pandemic control measures, access to smart working in China was limited only to jobs that allow it.
In the United States, on the other hand, the rules are more oriented towards protecting employee rights. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has been updated to regulate employee rights, applying different minimum wages based on the location of the employer and employee, including federal government officials.
In Europe, most countries refer to a common regulatory framework, but with some significant differences. Germany, for example, chose not to further regulate agile work, equating it to existing regulations. France expanded some agreements in the National Labor Code in 2020, while Finland and Denmark differentiate between roles and tasks based on the possibilities of remote work.
India is an example of a country where smart working is undergoing an evolution phase. The well-regulated but often slow Indian bureaucracy has begun to reform the labor sector. Four new labor codes have been introduced to review the entire sector and adapt it to modern needs. These changes reflect the growing acceptance of smart working as a work mode, even if the transition may take time.
In the United Arab Emirates, the situation is characterized by a search for greater flexibility. After issuing temporary guidelines that facilitated the adoption of smart working, the government is working on more definitive rules to allow a broader use of this work mode. This reflects the interest in leveraging the benefits of smart working to improve the work-life balance of employees and increase productivity.
National and Regional Laws: An Evolving Regulatory Framework
In the Italian context, it's essential to consider the national and regional laws that influence smart working. In 2023, the Budget Law had extended the possibility of adopting smart working until June 30th, but with the so-called "Milleproroghe" decree, this extension was expanded. Agile work was allowed for public and private sector employees belonging to protected categories, fragile subjects, and parents with children up to 14 years old. It was also allowed to change tasks for the interested subjects, without salary reduction.
The extension until June 30, 2024, was placed in the context of the National Protocol on Agile Work, and the reporting, notification, and registration operations must be carried out through the "Lavoro agile" app available on the "Servizi lavoro" website.
Expectations of Italian Workers in 2024
The experience of smart working has radically changed the expectations of Italian workers. According to Istat, agile work has contributed to the digital literacy of society and Italian companies. However, many workers now want to balance virtual work with more social interaction and physical presence. The importance of personal well-being and life outside of work has grown significantly.
Companies are trying to adapt to these new expectations, focusing on their employees' problem-solving and autonomy, IT skills, and soft skills. Many experts believe that smart working is destined to become permanent in the Italian work landscape. Companies that can adapt to these changes will have a competitive advantage in the future world of work.
The Role of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
The World Economic Forum (WEF) plays a crucial role in analyzing and defining future work trends. In its annual report on the future of workers, the WEF examines how agile work and other transformations are influencing the world of work. Its analyses and recommendations directly influence the policies adopted by governments and companies worldwide.
In conclusion, the future of smart working in 2024 presents itself as a period of consolidation and regulation. While the number of smart workers in Italy is stable, the focus shifts to the quality of this work mode and adapting to the new needs of workers. The international context provides interesting insights into how other countries are facing the challenge of smart working, paving the way for potential best practices to follow.
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