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.

Volvo Cars, the Swedish automotive manufacturer, has announced a major restructuring plan that will result in the reduction of approximately 3,000 jobs worldwide.
The layoffs primarily target white-collar positions and consultants, with around 1,200 employee roles and 1,000 consultants to be cut in Sweden alone. The decision is part of a broader SEK 18 billion (€1.6 billion) cost-cutting initiative aimed at creating a leaner, more efficient organisation amid high operational costs, declining demand for electric vehicles, and global trade uncertainty. The company stated that the redundancies will span all departments, including R&D, communications, and HR, with most changes expected in Gothenburg. Negotiations with labour unions have been initiated. The restructuring is intended to strengthen profitability and ensure long-term resilience, with completion expected by autumn 2025.
Volvo Cars, which has major production sites in Europe and China, faces increased exposure to trade tariffs, particularly in the U.S. market.
Volvo Cars employs about 44,000 globally.
Eurofound (2025), Volvo Cars, Internal restructuring in World, factsheet number 202828, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/202828.