Data from Scalable Software finds rigid hardware replacement schedules are the norm in UK and US enterprises, with 77% replacing tech based solely on age – most commonly every three years
As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability, there’s a growing need to rethink how technology refresh cycles are managed. New insights from 400 US and UK IT decision makers (ITDMs) published on World Sustainability Day 2024 by Scalable Software reveal that many businesses replace hardware based solely on age. More than three quarters (77%) of ITDMs report that their organization has a fixed timeframe for replacements: 14% replace hardware every year, 30% every two years, 33% every three years.
However, this tech-centric approach to IT refresh cycles not only results in unnecessary upgrades and increased costs but can have a negative environmental impact. This data comes at a time when the 2024 UN Global E-Waste Monitorfinds that the generation of e-waste worldwide is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually, and is predicted to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030.
“There’s no reason to send perfectly functional devices to landfill based solely on their age. There are quick and easy steps organizations can take to make a sustainable difference to the planet. By using data, IT leaders can move away from a blanket replacement policy – creating tailored tech refresh cycles that are both employee-centric and reduce electronic waste,” said Mark Cresswell, Co-Founder, Scalable Software. “Many organizations now have policies on sustainability. An important step towards meeting these goals is being smarter about innovation.”
Digital Employee Experience (DEX) analytics enables an employee-centric approach that aligns tech refresh cycles to the needs of the employee rather than arbitrary timeframes. By delivering granular data on corporate IT devices, including performance, application usage, and employees’ digital experiences, organizations can make technology refresh cycles far smarter. 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.
“While timely hardware replacement can ensure employees have access to the latest tech, it can contribute to a growing electronic waste problem when devices are replaced unnecessarily,” continued Mark Cresswell. “By applying Digital Employee Experience data, ITDMs can implement sustainable practices – ensuring technology refresh cycles are efficient and sustainable, and most importantly, are aligned with employees’ needs.”
World Sustainability Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of October. This global initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of adopting practices that protect the environment for future generations.
About the research
This research was commissioned by Scalable Software and conducted by independent research company, Sapio Research. Fieldwork was conducted in March and April 2024. Respondents consist of 400 senior IT decision makers in organizations with more than 1,000 employees across the UK and the US.
About Scalable Software
Scalable Software has more than 15 years of experience delivering actionable intelligence on how employees interact with technology. Its Acumen platform enables IT and HR leaders to optimize productivity and Digital Employee Experience (DEX) in today’s hybrid working environment. Coupling DEX observability with Key Performance Indicators, Acumen enables decision makers in the C-Suite, IT and HR to gain objective evidence of how hybrid and remote working models are performing, and deep visibility into employee productivity and engagement. Acumen provides insights into work patterns and user journeys to streamline disconnected tactical solutions and drive better ways of working consistently. Armed with this knowledge, organizations can optimize DEX; improve employee engagement and productivity; and reduce complexity and cost. For more information email: info@scalable.com or visit www.scalable.com.
