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.
Groupon Italia, subsidiary of global e-commerce and discount voucher group Groupon, announced the dismissal of 128 people in Italy, mostly women, out of a workforce of 363 people. The decision is part of a global restructuring plan involving the layoff of 1,100 workers (the 9.3% of Groupon staff), and the termination of operations in seven countries. According to the media reports, the company restructuring plan could involve the automation of some services. After a steady growth and a rapid internationalisation, the US-based group has been affected by a decline in sales and in its stock market value over the last months. In April, Groupon Italia intended to make new investments and increase its employment levels in Italy as disclosed by the CEO at that time. Trade unions expressed their concerns, remarking how the slight decline in sales cannot justify such a severe job reduction. Unions are negotiating alternative measures, such as the temporary reduction of working time or the relocation of affected employees.
Eurofound (2015), Groupon, Internal restructuring in Italy, factsheet number 84832, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/84832.