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.
Furniture retailer Ikea plans to close its service centre in Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, by 30 August 2026. A total of 279 employees will be affected. They are expected to receive their termination notices by 30 September 2026.
The company cites structural considerations as the reason for the closure, including the expiring lease and the investments that would be required at the site.
Labour union ver.di has criticised the decision, particularly the way it was communicated. The works council was reportedly informed only half an hour before the decision was made public. Discussions on a social plan are set to begin.
Ikea employs approximately 20,200 people in Germany.
Eurofound (2026), Ikea, Closure in Germany, factsheet number 204333, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204333.