As part of its wider Global Employment Standards strategy, IKEA UK has introduced one weekend off in four to its retail co-workers.
IKEA UK has today announced that all of its 10,400 retail co-workers are now eligible for at least one weekend off in every four.
As one of the first retailers in the UK to introduce this initiative, IKEA strives to provide an improved work-life balance and equal opportunities for everyone that works for them.
Pernille Hagild, Country HR Manager for IKEA UK & Ireland, comments:
“As a values-driven organisation, we put people at the heart of the IKEA business and we’re committed to making a positive contribution to their lives. Last year, we conducted an internal survey which highlighted work-life balance as a priority for our people. That’s why we’ve introduced this new benefit because we want everyone who works for us to spend quality time with their loved ones at the weekend, which is traditionally the busiest time in store.”
This is just one part of the Global IKEA Employment Standards, which were introduced to continue enriching co-worker satisfaction. The strategy provides a holistic approach to co-worker benefits that provide fair and equal opportunities for all, no matter the department, team or level.
The new initiative joins IKEA’s broad range of co-worker benefits including a pension loyalty scheme and an annual bonus. In 2015, the retailer committed to paying the real Living Wage to all of its co-workers, and in April 2016 became a principal partner of the Living Wage Foundation.
Pernille continues: “We want to ensure our co-workers feel valued and remain happy. By focusing on their basic needs, we can build a better experience for our customers.”
IKEA is committed to listening to co-worker feedback and plans to implement further benefits towards the end of 2017 as part of its wider Employment Standards strategy.
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
