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.
German telecommunication services provider Freenet is to cut 300 out of 5,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2015. Several departments such as revision, marketing and sales will be affected.
The restructuring programme is determined to reduce costs, streamline processes and functions. Management and works council have coordinated their interests. However, it is not yet clear if operational dismissals will be necessary. According to a spokeswoman, the reduction shall mainly be implemented by not prolonging temporary contracts.
Freenet employs around 5,000 people and has run profits of around €250 million in 2014.
Eurofound (2015), Freenet, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 78772, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/78772.