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.
The manufacturer of kitchen worktops D. Lechner announced a plan to cut 100 jobs in the company's kitchen worktops and splashback manufacturing departments. Job cuts became necessary as the company restructures its business as it wants to remain competetitive. Due to the war in Ukraine, the market environment remained difficult with customers saving on their money whilst energy and material costs continued to rise. Employees were informed by management and the work council on the new business strategy. The job cuts are to be realised in a socially acceptable manner. In total, the company employs 600 staff. There is no information on the foreseen end date of the job reduction scheme.
Eurofound (2022), D. Lechner, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 107685, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/107685.