The Impact of Digital Technology Adoption on Employee Engagement: A Qualitative Approach

The rapid uptake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has changed the way work is carried out in organizations, bringing with it together new opportunity and new challenges for employee engagement. This approach looks at the effects of the approval of digital technology on employee engagement, with an exact focus on the organization's use of AI, the application of AI in sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM), employee trust and how often GenAI is used. In order to carry out the study, a qualitative multiple-case study method is used, based on four studies that had been published earlier and which were carried out in different organizational settings. The results show that AI adoption leads to superior levels of employee engagement if the technologies provide clear benefits related to employees' work, are compatible with the organization's current processes, and are properly supported by top management. By helping employees develop their skills, motivate them and grant them with opportunities to contribute, sustainable HRM practices implemented with AI can also help to further increase employee engagement. Trust among employees is also identified as a critical factor; as positive attitudes to AI are connected to superior levels of organizational commitment, which is positively related to employee engagement. Furthermore, while larger usage of GenAI does not necessarily correlate with greater job satisfaction, there is several evidences to propose that an increase in usage can lead to increased work engagement. The study findings indicate that the acceptance of digital technology is more than just about the technology being available: it relies on the responsible deployment, on the training of employees, on the enhancement of digital literacy, on the transparency of communication and on the support and engagement of leadership. Overall, the results emphasize the significance of a multi-faceted approach, encompassing both technological innovation and employee well-being and sustainable HRM practices, to foster authentic employee engagement and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the organization.