When Digital Technology Challenges Ecology: Employees’ Perceptions of the Digital Transition. An Exploratory Approach to Employees’ Representations in Commercial and Non-Commercial Contexts

The digital transition and the ecological transition represent two major challenges for contemporary organizations. While the former promises gains in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability through the digitization of processes (dematerialization, teleworking, smart energy management), it also generates negative environmental impacts (digital pollution, energy consumption, technological obsolescence). This ambivalence creates tension with ecological imperatives. A qualitative study conducted among 30 employees working in the non-profit and private sectors shows that the majority of them say they are comfortable with digital technology and sensitive to ecology. They generally perceive digital technology as beneficial to the environment, while recognizing its limitations. However, the concept of digital waste remains vague, and eco-friendly digital practices are rarely applied on a daily basis. This research highlights the importance of raising awareness among organizations about the responsible use of digital technology, with a view to achieving a balance between technological performance and environmental sustainability.