IKEA Boosts Refugee Aid with Jobs and Training Opportunities

IKEA: Empowering Refugees with Jobs and Rights!

Ikea, the global leader in furniture retail with 471 stores across 63 markets, has made substantial strides in integrating refugees and asylum seekers into the workforce. Ikea's CSR initiative has dedicated resources to providing jobs and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes long-term stability for displaced individuals.

Ikea's Refugee Workforce Inclusion Program

IKEA's initiative offers meaningful employment, fosters social inclusion, and empowers refugees to stand up for their rights. The program encompasses job and language training, direct hiring via the Displaced Talent program, and partnerships aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities. Since 2009, IKEA has supported refugees through various initiatives. More specific commitments to enhance refugee employability were announced at the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum in December 2023.

The program encompasses several key components: the Skills for Employment program, which provides job and language training; the Displaced Talent program that has facilitated direct hiring of forcibly displaced individuals at IKEA; a collaboration with the Jordan River Foundation to secure long-term employment for refugee women and local artisans; and a partnership with NESsT and the Cisco Foundation to generate job opportunities in Poland and Romania.

Initially targeting to assist 2,500 refugees from 2019 to 2023, Ikea exceeded this goal by supporting nearly 3,000 displaced persons.

For example, in Australia, Ikea's Refugee Workforce Inclusion program transitions participants from an eight-week paid work placement to permanent roles within the company. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to aid refugees in gaining local language proficiency, understanding corporate culture, and earning a living wage. Completing the program often results in a job offer, providing a stable and supportive work environment.

Expanding Goals Amid Global Challenges

Initially targeting to assist 2,500 individuals from 2019 to 2023, Ikea exceeded this goal by supporting nearly 3,000 displaced persons. Motivated by global crises, such as the conflict in Ukraine, Ikea introduced the Displaced Talent Framework aimed at accelerating job placement without the extensive training typically required. By the end of 2023, this initiative helped an additional 332 workers, leading Ikea to pledge support for another 3,000 refugees by 2027.

Broader Initiatives and Partnerships

Ikea has supported refugee communities through various programs, including grants and upskilling opportunities. The Ikea Social Entrepreneurship program has partnered with organisations like NESsT and the Cisco Foundation to launch initiatives to create thousands of jobs for refugees in Poland and Romania by empowering socially inclusive businesses. 

Cultural and Social Integration

Ikea co-creates handcrafted products in collaboration with the Jordan River Foundation, providing long-term employment for over 370 refugee women and local artisans in Jordan. This helps preserve cultural crafts, supports the local economy, and empowers women in these regions.

The company has also collaborated with over 700 businesses to encourage them to create opportunities for decent work for refugees. Ikea continues to leverage its global presence to support displaced individuals, demonstrating a solid commitment to social responsibility and community support.