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.
On 06 February 2024, household appliance manufacturer Miele announced a new cost efficiency programme, also affecting German sites. In Germany, some 700 jobs will be shed due to Miele's new restructuring programme.
Whilst overall some 2,700 will be shed, Miele plans to relocate production from Gütersloh (Germany) to Poland by 2027 Miele-2024-PL.
In a press release, the company stated that the decline in demand, rising material and energy costs has led to its decision. The company hopes to gain some 500 million euros with the implementation of its restructuring programme by 2026. The company also announced that job cuts will be realised as socially responsible as possible.
Miele employs some 23,000 staff worldwide. Around 11,800 employees work in Germany.
Eurofound (2024), Miele, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Germany, factsheet number 200815, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/200815.