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.
Wella AG, producer of hair care products controlled by Procter & Gamble Co., plans to cut about 600 jobs in its cosmetics section (2,000 employees worldwide). These workers will be offered transfers to Procter & Gamble and its distributors, affecting 180 jobs in Germany. This is part of an agreement giving Wella's parent company the right to license its products. In July 2004, announcement of around 1,200 jobs to be cut at Wella, controlled by US consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble. The job cuts will affect mainly the production and distribution activities. At least 200 jobs will be cut in Germany alone. As part of the cost cutting measures, several production plants will be closed, including the Kabadell factory in Lenzkirch. Around 100 jobs will go at Wella's plant in Hunfeld, which currently employs 1,100 staff.
Eurofound (2004), Wella AG, Merger/Acquisition in World, factsheet number 59815, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/59815.