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.
Blokker, a well-known retail chain headquartered in Amsterdam, operating across the Netherlands, has filed for bankruptcy. This announcement affects all its 400 non-specialized retail stores nationwide. Blokker, which specializes in home goods and small appliances, has been facing financial difficulties due to declining sales and increased competition from e-commerce. The bankruptcy will lead to significant job losses across its chain of stores. Details such as the timeline for store closures are still being finalized. Blokker has historically been a key player in the Dutch retail market.
Eurofound (2024), Blokker, Bankruptcy in Netherlands, factsheet number 201981, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/201981.