Within a couple of days, our editorial office received several communications that shed light on the topic of hybrid work from different perspectives, which, once juxtaposed, could provide us with some insights. While it is commonly believed that remote work brings greater balance and satisfaction to employees, something seems to be amiss…
On one hand, an article from AVIXA captures, drawing inspiration from SHRM (Society for Human Resources and Management) research, the flip side for those working remotely. Nothing unfamiliar, but sometimes becoming aware of numbers and statistics can be crucial in understanding a phenomenon beyond our immediate circle of knowledge. While remote work undoubtedly benefits individuals who struggle with fixed working hours and locations (such as workers living far from the office or those with unique family needs) and offers tangible time and cost savings, a SHRM study involving 2,800 employees reveals that nearly 50% of remote workers have more difficulty disengaging and end up working even on weekends, spending almost an extra hour each day. This may seem advantageous to employers in the short term, but continuous pressure, as known, can lead to health issues (from back problems to stress-related heart conditions) and, above all, constant fatigue that negatively impacts performance. This, too, is an unpleasant shared experience.
Another aspect the study does not highlight, but one we all know, is the solitude experienced by remote workers. While we may save time on commuting and social niceties with colleagues, isolation neither fosters creativity nor actively resolves problems.
The day after, we received a press release from Travaj, which opened on June 23rd in Turin: an automated co-working space, accessible 24/7 and managed independently by users. Designed to cater to the needs of smart workers, it offers individual offices or meeting rooms equipped with all necessary technological services, available for hourly, weekly, or extended periods. It also features common areas designed for social interaction, including exhibitions and events for everyone. Thus, it is not merely a workspace but also a meeting point for collaboration and sharing.
This model could be adopted by companies, either by creating structured offices in a similar manner, perhaps dedicated to their own employees or those from collaborating organizations, or by providing remote workers with the opportunity to utilize spaces like Travaj. This would transform the negative aspects of remote work into a true Smart Working approach focused on the needs of the employees.
