Transition to remote working

Countries

Malta

Policy areas

Organisation name Ministry for Energy, Enterprise & Sustainable Development

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Contact person: Anthony Gatt

anthony.a.gatt@gov.mt

The Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development has launched a pilot project for remote working for all its employees. Remote working is a working style that allows employees to work outside the traditional office environment. The main concept is that work does not necessarily need to be carried out in a specific place to be executed successfully. Remote working was offered to all employees according to job suitability.

Simultaneously, remote workspaces were launched offering the possibility for employees to book spaces to set up meetings with their colleagues or to work for a few hours from such spaces. Employees have the flexibility to plan their work days so their professional and personal lives can be balanced while giving the maximum output.

The workspace facilities are not only convenient and comfortable, but booking spaces in them is easy and they are equipped with the most advanced technology. These remote workspaces are available on a 24/7 basis allowing employees to be more flexible in their working schedule.

The aim of remote working is to increase productivity and efficiency while maintaining a high level of work–life balance. According to the feasibility study carried out as part of the pilot project, both direct and indirect benefits have been indicated. Among others, these do not only include financial benefits but also positive environmental effects through the reduction in traffic.

Advancements in technology is facilitating the transition to remote working. This was complemented with training delivered for all remote workers both at management and non-managerial levels.

Even though the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development embarked on a pilot project, this will be extended towards the Malta Public Service. Studies carried out on the pilot project clearly indicate the financial and operational sustainability of the project. From the feasibility study carried out, direct cost savings are estimated at EUR 1.8 million for 10 years for one ministry.

The remote working pilot project within the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development goes back to 2019 and hence the idea to have this project extending to the Malta Public Service was before the Covid-19 pandemic. The integrated solutions complementing this pilot project are new and innovative, including the flexidesk system through which public employees can book spaces in any of the remote workspaces available, and the task management tool, which allows the assignment, allocation and monitoring of tasks. This project goes beyond what was previously applied and changes the Malta Public Service as we know it today.

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