THE EFFECT OF THE DIGITAL WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT A SUB-DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN WAJO REGENCY

Abstract

Government digital transformation has required the reorientation of traditional work environments toward technology-based digital work environments. This study examines the effect of the digital work environment on employee performance at the Belawa Sub-district Office, Wajo Regency. Despite extensive research on digital transformation in large-scale organizations, empirical evidence from frontline government units at the sub-district level remains scarce. This quantitative research employed a cross-sectional survey design with descriptive and verificative approaches using a total population sampling (census) method involving all 21 civil servants (ASN) at the office, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were collected through questionnaires with a five-point Likert scale, complemented by observation and documentation. Simple linear regression analysis measured the effect of the digital work environment on employee performance. The findings show that the digital work environment has a positive and significant effect on employee performance (β = 0.441; t = 2.140; sig = 0.046 < 0.05), with an Adjusted R² of 0.152, meaning that approximately 15.2% of performance variance is explained by the model after adjusting for sample size. However, this study has notable limitations, including a small sample (n = 21) with limited statistical power, a single-site cross-sectional design, and reliance on self-reported data. Practically, the findings suggest that sub-district authorities should prioritize digital infrastructure improvement and periodic employee digital literacy training to support public service transformation at the grassroots government level.