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.

Dow Chemical, a US-based multinational operating in the chemical manufacturing sector, announced the reduction of 132 jobs across its three Dutch sites in Terneuzen, Dordrecht, and Delfzijl. The affected roles are spread across multiple units, likely including production and supporting functions, although specific categories were not detailed. The company, which produces raw materials for a wide range of plastic products in the Netherlands, is restructuring as part of a broader global plan to reduce 1,500 jobs announced in January 2024 following quarterly losses. The Dutch chemical sector is facing significant challenges due to high network costs, global overcapacity, and increasing competition from Chinese producers. This announcement follows recent restructuring by other major US firms in the sector.
Eurofound (2025), Dow Chemical, Internal restructuring in Netherlands, factsheet number 202632, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/202632.