Purpose The purpose of this study is to clarify the conceptualizations of mandatory and reward that have come into focus in the definition of digital shadow work. And explore how users in a shared services environment view cost and coercion from the perspective of digital shadow work. Design/methodology/approach We conducted one-on-one interviews with 4 participants, with each interview being an average of 25 minutes. Based on literature review, stakeholder observation, and interviews on digital shadow work so far, very objective results can be derived through triangulation based on the basis of multiple sources. Findings According to the results of the preliminary study, there are some rewards for each type of digital shadow work, but time saving and service convenience are considered more than financial rewards. Unfair demands in determining whether to implement them in consideration of the difficulty and expected benefits of the demanding digital work can cause dissatisfaction with the service. Academic implications and future research directions are also discussed.