The PROSPER project aimed to empower SME managers to navigate remote management, balancing digital productivity with employee well-being. We addressed the gap in existing training, which primarily targets multinational corporations, by creating a curriculum focused on digital well-being and inclusion. Our objectives included adapting vocational education and training (VET) to meet labor market needs and contributing to the Digital Transformation by emphasizing soft skills like digital responsibility. We aimed to equip SME managers with skills to create healthy hybrid working environments, mitigating the risks of intensive digital work. The project sought to overcome attitudinal barriers, blending technical competence with communication and intercultural skills, preparing managers to lead the digital transition. Additionally, PROSPER aimed to benefit business trainers and VET providers by enabling them to introduce relevant training for SMEs, solidifying their positions as future-oriented organizations. Finally, the project intended to spur stakeholders to continually update training to reflect labor market needs, promoting non-technical skills in business curricula.
PROSPER had its roots in the paradigm shift in management caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, which saw a dramatic rise in work-from-home practices. This shift brought unique challenges, particularly for SME managers who lacked resources tailored to their needs. Remote work, while technically manageable, required enhanced interpersonal and relationship-building skills to maintain productivity and employee well-being through digital interfaces. Additionally, unconstrained digital work can lead to risks like digital burnout and low productivity, disproportionately affecting young, female, and minority staff. Recognizing the gap in support for SME managers, we designed PROSPER to address these challenges by providing modular, flexible training specifically for European SMEs. This project aimed to build awareness, deliver practical skills through an online course, and offer hands-on support through the Empowerment Programme. It also catered to the broader needs of SME employees and business education providers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healthy hybrid work.