Florence conference spotlights AI, digitalisation and welfare in Italian companies

A conference titled “Conflitti & Benessere nelle Organizzazioni – Dalla gestione dei conflitti alla salute organizzativa” was held at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. It was organised by Manageritalia Toscana and Aleteia Ets, with the patronage of the Municipality of Florence, Confcommercio Toscana, Cida and Aidp. Speakers included Laura Sparavigna, assessor for Organisation, Smart City and Innovation of the Florence municipality, Marco Zuffanelli, President of Manageritalia Toscana, and Simone Stefani, president of Aleteia Ets.

The event presented the national research “Obiettivo Benessere”, commissioned by Manageritalia and carried out by AstraRicerche. The survey found that 72.3% of managers see digitalisation of processes and the use of AI as key challenges, with 21.3% ranking AI as the top priority. Controlling operational costs (65%) and recruiting qualified staff were also highlighted. Seventy‑five percent of managers say their organisations are in a transformation phase, while 30% of Italian SMEs still use a traditional hierarchical model and 40% a lean hierarchy. Companies without agile work arrangements show higher levels of traditional hierarchy (84%) compared with those allowing three days of smart working per week (58%). Post‑pandemic, 41% of firms reduced agile work usage, only 14.5% increased it.

Welfare programmes were discussed as strategic tools: 69% of managers view corporate welfare as offering economic benefits, 62% as improving internal climate and 58% as supporting work‑life balance. Training remains important, with 65.5% prioritising technical skills, and growing focus on soft skills (57%) and advanced digital competencies (57.9%). The Florence municipality announced a €1,000 per‑employee corporate welfare fund usable for utilities and rent, alongside new smart‑working regulations and cultural‑sport welfare measures.