Smart working (or remote and flexible work) is a way of performing subordinate work without fixed working hours or location constraints. It is organised by phases, cycles and objectives, based on an agreement between the employee and the employer. This arrangement supports employees in balancing their personal and professional lives, while also enhancing productivity.
The definition of smart working, as set out in Law No. 81/2017, emphasises organisational flexibility, the voluntary nature of the individual agreement, and the use of technological tools that enable remote work (such as laptops, tablets and smartphones).
Employees working under smart working arrangements are guaranteed the same economic and contractual treatment as their colleagues working under ordinary arrangements. They are therefore protected in case of accidents or occupational diseases, according to the provisions of INAIL Circular No. 48/2017.
The Employer is required to ensure that each employee receives adequate training on occupational health and safety, taking into account both general and job-specific risks. To safeguard the health and safety of employees performing their work remotely, the Employer shall:
- provide employees and Workers’ Safety Representatives with a Health and Safety Information Notice before starting the remote work arrangement, at least once a year and/or whenever there are significant changes in work conditions or associated risks (particularly in case of job changes). The Notice identifies general and specific risks related to the work activity and the measures to be adopted.
- implement the protection measures set out in Article 15 of Legislative Decree No. 81/2008, including medical surveillance, risk assessment and mitigation, and adequate training and information.
At PoliTo, in compliance with current regulations (Law No. 81/2017, Article 22, Chapter 2), the Employer provides employees working under a smart working arrangement with an Information Notice which establishes the general and specific risks associated with this work arrangement, along with the corresponding prevention and protection measures.
The contents of this Notice have been developed in accordance with the Guidelines, Section 6 of the Directive of the President of the Council of Ministers No. 3 of 1 June 2017, which outline the potential risks related to work performed in environments other than the PoliTo’s premises.
Employees of PoliTo working under the smart working scheme must comply with the specific occupational health and safety provisions established for this work arrangement, and take part in the corresponding training and information activities.
Each employee is personally responsible for ensuring that their remote work environment meets ergonomic and hygiene standards, maintaining correct posture and safe behaviour. They must also properly use the assigned work equipment, ensuring its efficiency and integrity before and during use. Employees are therefore required to carry out their smart working activities diligently, cooperating in the implementation of prevention and protection measures adopted by the Employer to manage risks associated with performing work outside the University premises.