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.

As announced on 13 February, the German bank Commerzbank will cut 3,900 full-time jobs worldwide by 2028, including 3,300 in Germany. The layoffs will primarily affect the headquarters and other locations in Frankfurt. At the same time, there will be staff expansions at international locations and at the Polish subsidiary mBank, ensuring that the total workforce remains largely stable at 36,700 full-time employees worldwide.
The goal is to increase profits in its battle against Italian rival UniCredit. After posting a net profit of €2.7 billion last year, Commerzbank aims to raise this to €4.2 billion by 2028.
UniCredit, Italy’s major banking group, acquired a 9% stake in Commerzbank in September and has since secured access to 28% of shares through derivatives. UniCredit seeks a full takeover, but Commerzbank insists on maintaining its independence. By setting a new profit target, Commerzbank aims to convince investors that it can survive long-term as an independent institution. Commerzbank, Germany’s second-largest retail bank, employs around 20,000 full-time employees in Germany.
Eurofound (2025), Commerzbank, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Germany, factsheet number 202362, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202362.