Research by Ash Mann on ‘hidden digital work’ in the cultural sector

Digital Transformation

You probably recognize it: those hours spent on just quickly writing that social post, cleaning up databases, figuring out rights for an online collection, and explaining to your colleagues how to use that digital tool effectively. This phenomenon, described by researcher Ash Mann as ‘hidden digital work,’ is the focus of this international study supported by DEN. It's high time to bring this invisible work out of the shadows.

25 mar `26

Knowledge & Inspiration

The research by Ash Mann (opens in new tab) focuses on the tasks that are essential for the functioning of organizations with digital systems but are not always recognized or valued as formal work. This includes maintaining systems, manually correcting data, and the informal support employees provide to each other to make technology workable within their organization.

To the research

The focus of the research

This research builds on the findings of a previous study by Ash Mann that focused on why digital projects fail. We see that even in digitally developed organizations, attention often shifts to innovation and new projects, while the daily maintenance of existing digital services remains underexposed. The research aims to make the sustainability of this approach tangible and measure its impact on the professionals performing this work.

Key aspects of the research include:

The balance between visible innovation and invisible maintenance.
How digital tasks are defined and recorded within the sector.
The resources and support available to those who initiate and manage an organization's digital work.

Participation in the research

To better understand the scope and nature of ‘hidden digital work,’ Mann invites professionals from the cultural sector to share their experiences by participating in the study (opens in new tab). The results of this research aim to provide more clarity about the actual workload of digital projects and better recognition of the required manpower.

Do you work in the cultural sector and are you involved in digital innovation, processes, maintenance, or data processing? This actually concerns everyone! Fill in the questionnaire; it takes 10-15 minutes (the study is in English).

Yes! I want to participate in the research

Beyond the questionnaire: Interviews and diary study

In addition to a questionnaire, Ash Mann is also conducting a limited number of follow-up interviews and a short-term diary study. Volunteers document their digital work over several weeks to gain a more detailed picture of daily practices.

Want to participate? You can sign up directly here. (opens in new tab)

Your practical experiences are essential in all parts of the research to demonstrate the actual impact of digital work.

Helen Goossens brings broad knowledge in the strategic approach to digital projects inside and outside the cultural sector. She focuses on an integrated approach based on strategic choices, with attention to context and technical possibilities. Always looking for simple solutions to complex challenges.

Project Advisor