Agile working (AW) in the public sector accelerated significantly as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the implementation and evolution of AW, utilising qualitative analyses to provide a comprehensive overview. The research design includes interviews with general directors and AW coordinators, the analysis of organisational documents, and data from an ad hoc survey monitoring the level of AW adoption in Italy during and after the COVID-19 emergency. The results highlight heterogeneity in the adoption of AW in the public sector, especially in the transition from emergency to non-emergency conditions. Insights into technological and regulatory changes and human resource management practices reveal growing commitment to work flexibility and increased digitalisation in public organisations. This study adds to our understanding of AW in public organisations during and after the pandemic, demonstrating that an organisational approach to AW can have implications on change management and organisational innovation.
Sinatra et al. (2026) studied this question.