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.
Synsam, a Swedish eyewear manufacturer, decided to move its entire glasses production from China to Ockelbo, Sweden, where it plans to construct a new 6,000 square meters factory. The decision was driven by the company desire to enhance its resilience, reduce dependency on high-risk countries, and align with sustainability goals. The company invested SEK 250 million in the new facility hiring 150 people. The factory was planned for completion in late autumn 2021 and was expected to produce about one million glasses annually. HÃ¥kan Lundstedt, the CEO of Synsam, explained that bringing production to Sweden aligned with their sustainability strategy, focusing on reducing climate impact and responding to consumer preferences for locally produced goods. The move is seen as an opportunity to create jobs in Sweden, improve product quality, and control working conditions.
Eurofound (2020), Synsams, Reshoring in Sweden, factsheet number 297, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/297.