Italy: ING Italia launches super-flexible smart working model

ING Italia claims to be the first bank in Italy to launch such a flexible smart working model. In an announcement on 31 August, the bank promised its staff the “maximum freedom of choice on how to organise their work according to personal and professional needs”. This policy, which is valid until the end of the year, though the management has already announced its intention to implement the system on a permanent basis, is based on an agreement reached with trade unions at the beginning of August, which provides a framework for the use of smart working during emergency situations. In its statement, the bank highlights the pillars of its new model: freedom of choice and ability to customise how to alternate working from the office and from home (in conjunction with one’s manager); the right to disconnect for an optimal work-life balance; payment of a lump sum for equipment and a monthly bonus to be exchanged for welfare benefits on the dedicated platform; key opportunities for social contact, either virtual and physical, to cultivate relations between colleagues and nurture team culture, stimulate exchange and bring the company spirit to life; and finally training to better prepare all staff and managers, with an emphasis on trust and management on the basis of targets.