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Smart Working: Work Flexibility Without Constraints

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Angelici

    (Dondena, Bocconi University, 20136 Milano, Italy)

  • Paola Profeta

    (Axa Research Laboratory on Gender Equality, Dondena, Bocconi University, 20136 Milano, Italy)

Abstract

Does removing constraints on the time and place of work benefit the utility of workers and firms? We design a randomized experiment of a sample of workers in a large Italian company; workers are randomly divided into a treated group that engages in flexible place and time of work (which we call “smart working”) one day per week for nine months and a control group that continues to work traditionally. By comparing the treated and control groups, we find causal evidence that the flexibility of smart working increases the productivity of workers. We estimate a decrease of one day of leave on average per month, and we exclude a significant decline in objective productivity in any month. We also find sizeable improvements in well-being and work–life balance, and we observe that men also increase the time dedicated to household and care activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Angelici & Paola Profeta, 2024. "Smart Working: Work Flexibility Without Constraints," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 70(3), pages 1680-1705, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:70:y:2024:i:3:p:1680-1705
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2023.4767
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