Smart working

Smart working is a form of employment where work is performed with no constraints in terms of the time or place of work, but according to stages, cycles and objectives agreed upon between the employer and the employee; this model helps workers achieve a better work-life balance while also increasing productivity.

The definition of smart working set forth in Italian Law 81/2017 places particular emphasis on flexible working arrangements, the voluntary nature of such working arrangements and the use of remote work tools (e.g., laptop computers, tablets and smart phones).

Workers employed under such arrangements are guaranteed the same pay and contractual conditions as regular workers. This means they are entitled to the same insurance cover in respect of accidents at work and occupational diseases, as established by INAIL Circular 48/2017.

The Employer has the duty to ensure that every worker receives sufficient and adequate training on health and safety, in relation to general risks and those specific to the job. Furthermore, in order to guarantee the health and safety of workers employed under smart working arrangements, the Employer must:

• provide workers and workers’ health and safety representatives with information on the general and specific risks associated with the duties to be performed and the measures to be implemented. This information must be provided prior to commencement of the smart working arrangement, and at least once a year (and/or following any significant change to working conditions and risk exposure, particularly any change of job);
• implement all the safeguards pursuant to art. 15 of Legislative Decree 81/2008 (health surveillance, assessment/mitigation/elimination of risks, adequate training/information, etc.).

Workers at PoliTO employed on the basis of smart working arrangements operate in accordance with the specific occupational health and safety requirements for this type of work, and receive specific training  (ITA).

Workers have a duty to ensure that their workplace meets the relevant hygiene and ergonomics requirements and are responsible for maintaining a correct posture and acting in accordance with health and safety regulations. Workers are also responsible for using any work equipment with which they are provided in the correct manner and for ensuring the efficiency and integrity of such equipment prior to and during its use. Workers undertake to perform their duties under smart working arrangements, acting with diligence to implement the preventive and protective measures established by the Employer to address the risks associated with performance of such work at places other than the university.