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Employee Profiles of Remote Work Benefits and the Role of Leadership in a Medium-Sized Italian IT Company

Author

Listed:
  • Domenico Sanseverino

    (Psychology Department, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy)

  • Alessandra Sacchi

    (Psychology Department, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy)

  • Valentina Dolce

    (Research Group in Societal Psychology (GRePS), Institute of Psychology, Lyon 2 University, 69676 Bron, France)

  • Monica Molino

    (Psychology Department, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy)

  • Chiara Ghislieri

    (Psychology Department, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

Remote working is increasingly being recognized as a practice that can advance organizational sustainability across environmental, economic and social dimensions. However, little is known about how employees perceive its benefits within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and about the role of leadership in shaping these perceptions. This study aimed to identify distinct profiles of perceived remote working benefits and to examine how socio-demographic characteristics and leader–member exchange (LMX) predict profile membership. Data were collected through an online survey administered to 377 employees of a medium-sized Italian IT company. Measures included perceived benefits of remote working and supportive leadership, and analyses were conducted using latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression. Results revealed four profiles: Enthusiastic Supporters (37%), Cautious Adopters (25%), Remote Work Skeptics (22%), and Core Pragmatists (17%). Younger employees were more likely to belong to the Enthusiastic Supporters category, while supportive leadership increased the probability of being Cautious Adopters rather than Skeptics. These findings stress the importance of considering diverse employee experiences when implementing remote work policies and highlight the role of leadership in fostering positive evaluations of remote working. The study provides practical insights for SMEs aiming to align remote working practices with sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Domenico Sanseverino & Alessandra Sacchi & Valentina Dolce & Monica Molino & Chiara Ghislieri, 2025. "Employee Profiles of Remote Work Benefits and the Role of Leadership in a Medium-Sized Italian IT Company," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:11:p:414-:d:1779372
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ferdinando Toscano & Salvatore Zappalà, 2020. "Social Isolation and Stress as Predictors of Productivity Perception and Remote Work Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Concern about the Virus in a Moderated Double Mediation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Isabel-María García-Sánchez & Davi-Jonatas Cunha-Araujo & Víctor Amor-Esteban & Saudi-Yulieth Enciso-Alfaro, 2024. "Leadership and Agenda 2030 in the Context of Big Challenges: Sustainable Development Goals on the Agenda of the Most Powerful CEOs," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Sara Petrilli & Marianna Giunchi & Anne-Marie Vonthron, 2024. "Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) and Adjustment to the Work Mode as Protective Factors to Counteract Exhaustion and Turnover Intention: A Chain Mediation Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-20, November.
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