On this World Sustainability Day, businesses are facing increasing scrutiny around their sustainable practices. While most organizations know this must be a priority, they also have to contend with macro-challenges, such as soaring energy costs and the need to digitally transform to stay competitive. However, the march to sustainability doesn’t have to be a revolution. Exploring how current business practices can become more sustainable is a great place to start.
Take hardware refresh cycles. Our recent research, which surveyed 400 IT decision makers, revealed that companies still have a long way to go. 77% of ITDMs said their organization has a policy of replacing hardware within a set timeframe. Specifically, 14% upgrade every year, 30% every two years, and 33% every three years.
This tech-centric approach can leave organizations grappling with unnecessary expenses and an increasing environmental footprint. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable steps ITDMs can take to reduce unnecessary upgrades, minimize e-waste, and create more sustainable, employee-centric technology refresh cycles.
The Hidden Cost of Hardware Upgrades
Replacing hardware based on age rather than actual performance or employee needs not only results in unnecessary upgrades and increased business costs but has a negative environmental impact.
As our research shows, many organizations follow fixed timelines for replacing their technology – but this approach leads to countless devices being discarded prematurely. Even when these devices are still fully functional, they often end up in landfill. The environmental impact of this practice is significant. In fact, the 2024 UN Global E-Waste Monitor, reported that e-waste generation worldwide is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, and is predicted to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030.
Meanwhile, unnecessary replacements leave businesses facing increasing costs. Continuously investing in new hardware can strain budgets and divert funds from critical areas that really need investment. What’s more, companies risk developing a reputation for environmental irresponsibility, potentially alienating customers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.
How can ITDMs get it right?
Striking the right balance in tech refresh cycles is integral to an ITDM's role and fiscal responsibility. While timely upgrades ensure access to cutting-edge technology, they must also minimize e-waste to safeguard the environment. The answer lies in leveraging digital employee experience (DEX) analytics.
DEX analytics provide a detailed view of each employee’s technology usage and needs, enabling IT leaders to tailor refresh cycles based on empirical data rather than arbitrary timelines. By delivering granular data on device performance, application usage, and digital experiences, organizations can make smarter decisions about how to upgrade technology. For instance, DEX data can identify employees who need more powerful devices earlier, such as those transitioning to roles involving Business Intelligence or AI, while delaying upgrades for employees with less demanding digital workloads.
Harnessing DEX data in this way enables a more strategic approach to managing IT expenditure. While a three-year refresh cycle may already be budgeted, DEX insights empower IT leaders to allocate that budget more effectively, tailoring upgrades to the actual needs of each employee. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all policy, DEX enables IT teams to adopt an employee-centric approach to technology management, ensuring that resources are used more wisely and sustainably.
Ensuring your business is at the forefront of sustainable innovation not only enhances your reputation but also reinforces your commitment to positive environmental impact. Join us this World Sustainability Day in rethinking tech refresh cycles for a future where business growth and sustainability go hand in hand.
Download the full report to learn more here.