Smart working: What does this new work model consist of?

29 of May, 2025

You may have heard the term smart working before, but what does it really mean?

In simple terms, smart working is a new way of working. It allows your employees to have more flexibility and freedom in deciding how, when, and where to work.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what smart working is. And we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of applying such a policy in your organization.

We will also look at some of the best ways to start working smart thanks to the help of time management. If you are interested in learning more about this new work model, keep reading.

What is smart working?

What does smart working mean to you? To give you an idea, in Spanish it’s called intelligent work.

In short, it’s a new work model that allows employees to work from anywhere, at any time, and in the way that suits them best.

But it’s much more than that. Smart working is synonymous with flexibility, freedom, and productivity. A new trend that is here to stay.

👉 If you want to know all the HR trends for this year, you can download this guide we have prepared for you at Sesame HR.

It’s about giving employees the option to work as they wish. And helping them achieve better results with the right technologies and tools.

The concept of having to work an 8-hour day disappears. Because this new modality prioritizes the achievement of objectives.

For this reason, what is required is that each worker has well-defined goals and that, therefore, he or she fulfills them. This, to a large extent, means greater motivation for the employees, thanks to the fact that they know that their workday depends on their efficiency.

It is a way of working that is increasingly popular all over the world. As more and more organizations realize the advantages of implementing a smart working policy. Especially when it comes to work-life balance.

There are many different ways to implement intelligent work, and each company will have its own approach. But the key is to find a model that works for both you and your employees.

👉 If you are considering applying smart working in your company and you are concerned about time registration, we have the solution you need. At Sesame HR we have prepared WhatsApp timekeeping. Will you give it a try?

Examples of intelligent work

There are many different ways to do smart working, but they all have one goal in mind. To help employees be more productive and efficient.

Some of the most common ways to do smart working are video conferencing, using a laptop to work from home, or taking work on a tablet.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons. But the important thing is that they all help employees to be more flexible and productive.

For example, videoconferencing can help remote employees feel more connected to their team. While working from home can help reduce distractions and increase productivity.

Ultimately, it is up to the boss or CEO to decide which method will work best for their team and their budget.

But whatever the chosen path, the important thing is that employees have the opportunity to work smarter, not harder.

Smart working decree

You may wonder why all the fuss about smart working. We’ll explain.

This is a new way of working that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a generic term that encompasses a series of different work methods, but all with the same goal. To make life easier for both employees and employers.

The decree on smart working was approved in 2018, and describes the rules and regulations surrounding this new way of working.

Basically, it allows employees to work from home or from any other place of their choosing. As long as they can satisfactorily fulfill their work objectives.

The decree has been well received by both workers and employers, as it offers numerous advantages for both parties.

For workers, it means more freedom and flexibility in choosing where and how to work. And for employers, lower costs and higher productivity.

👉 So far, the decree has been a resounding success, and many companies have switched to smart working. If you want to join this system, you can use a HR software like Sesame HR. Try it for free!

The 3 basic objectives pursued by smart working

To better understand what smart working aims to achieve, let’s discover 3 of its key objectives. Take note!

1. Detailed definition of the goals to be achieved

For smart working to really work, planning is an indispensable element. Aligning smart working with business objectives to achieve is fundamental, otherwise this system would not work.

It is necessary to have clear priorities and what time will be dedicated to them. Therefore, for it to work it is very important not only to check entry, break, or exit records. But also to organize, coordinate, and manage the tasks of each project.

2. A plus for work-life balance

As a result of geolocation, smart working brings us closer to reconciling family and personal life.

This is a real attraction for employees, as it is highly valued and they prefer to work under such circumstances. Where customizable work organization and easier mobility are key factors.

3. Development and innovation

This way of seeing work that is smart working comes with technology, development, and innovation. A strong investment in technology is required, but the results are worth it with the tools we have at our disposal.

All this necessary technology and digitization is put in the hands of the results, as that is the goal, to focus on what is intended to be achieved.

Difference between teleworking and smart working

Did you know that teleworking is different from smart working? Although both are often presented as the same thing, there is still a crucial difference between them.

Remote work refers to working from home occasionally or more frequently. While smart working implies any remote work situation, i.e., not being present at the office or workplace.

The main difference between teleworking and smart working is that the former is restrictive at the organizational level. While the latter allows a greater degree of flexibility and mobility.

Teleworking involves performing tasks from home, while in smart working there are many possibilities to work from different places. From a nearby cafe to a coworking space.

This makes it more conducive for those who require flexibility in work schedules and locations. In fact, the teleworker usually has a daily hour count to meet.

In smart working, what matters is to comply with the projects and with the objectives, not with daily work hours.

So if you are looking to improve the productivity of your staff, choosing a model like this may be the solution.

Smart working: advantages and disadvantages

Now that you know in detail the meaning of smart working, it is important to know more about its advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages of this methodology are:

Improved productivity of workers.
Saving time and money for employers.
Better work-life balance for workers.
More flexible hours.
Less job stress.

On the other hand, some disadvantages may be:

Lack of surveillance over employees in terms of their commitment to their work.
Lack of personal contact among teammates and bosses.
Technical issues such as disconnections during videoconferences.
Difficulties in performing group tasks.

👉 To solve all these disadvantages there is a simple and centralized HR software like Sesame HR. This digitizes the management of your employees’ time entries, reduces absenteeism, and ensures compliance with the Time Control Law. Try it without obligation!

Sesame HR, your app for smart working

Now that you know all the basic information about smart working, do you need a solution to implement it in your company? If so, Sesame HR is the tool you were looking for.

Our time management app is perfect for controlling your employees’ remote work. We offer workday registration from any device: web, mobile, and tablet.

We also have a GPS system to know from where your employees clock in.

In addition, our software allows you to manage your employees’ remote work absences easily.

Of course, you will also have digital time records securely stored and these reports can be used legally for labor inspections.

At Sesame HR, we are experts in the field of smart working. And we believe that it can be a possible solution for both the company and the employee.

We understand your employees’ needs and offer you the tools and resources you need to be successful.

👉 If you want to know more about our HR software, you can continue browsing our resources section. Or request a free demo. What are you waiting for?

Professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in various areas of Human Resources (Recruitment, Training, Occupational Risk Prevention, and Personnel Management). Experience in the Management Department: Broad understanding of the company and HR.

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cristinamartin

HR Content Specialist