Working anytime, working anywhere at the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a widespread shift toward remote work, significantly altering traditional work arrangements and locations. This transformation has had a profound and enduring impact on the operational modalities of Italian Public Administrations (PAs). This study investigates the smart working model implemented by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), with the aim of assessing the frequency and intensity of both in-office and remote work practices. The novelty of this work lies in its focus on the evolving organizational frameworks within the public sector -such as workflow management, team dynamics, leadership styles, and institutional culture - where smart working remains a developing paradigm. By offering quantitative insights into the application of smart working, this study contributes to the broader discourse and supports future research in this domain.