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.
Smaaart, a startup specialised in refurbished smartphones, has announced the recruitment of 300 employees, after raising funds to finance its development. Smaart obtained €2 million from the investment fund Quadia in partnership with the Belgian bank Degroof Petercam, and another €2 million from public funds, including the Occitanie Region, Ademe, BPI, DIRECCTE and private banks. Smaart is a brand owned by Sofi Groupe, which was transformed into a smartphone refurbishment plant in 2011 when it was acquired by six employees. Smaaart thus aims to recruit 300 employees and relies on its R&D department to develop innovative projects, such as new industrial products. Smaart stands out from the competition with a range of products guaranteed 24 months as new and a limited series of 100% Apple certified iPhones.
Eurofound (2019), Smaaart , Business expansion in France, factsheet number 98919, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/98919.