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.
Galapagos, a Belgian multinational biotech company has announced restructuring measures in France, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Belgium (Mechelen). In total 300 employees will potentially face dismissal, approximately 200 of which in Belgium.
The restructuring will divide the company into different sub-entities. The new company next to Galapagos is provisionally called SpinCo. All Galapagos shareholders will receive SpinCo shares according to how many Galapagos shares they hold. Additionally, some activities will be sold off to other companies, leading to dismissals as well. As required by law, the information and consultation phase between the company management and trade unions has been initiated.
Eurofound (2025), Galapagos, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 202168, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202168.