Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
As announced on 13. January 2020, the automobile manufacturer Opel plans to cut 4,100 jobs, in Germany, until 2023 due to internal restructuring. Management announced that cuts are necessary to secure the company’s long-term future and specifically mentioned transformation of the automobile market and the planned merger with Fiat-Chrysler for other reasons. The job reduction will be staggered into 3 phases and will offer remaining employees protection against dismissal:
According to Opel, the job reduction will be as socially acceptable as possible. Opel will offer volunteer programmes and early-retirement programmes.
Eurofound (2020), Opel, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 100337, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/100337.