In line with the long-term strategy of IKEA People & amp; Planet Positive, the company supports its employees in sustainable development, caring for their individual potential and needs. In 2021, IKEA Retail in Poland will allocate approximately PLN 76 million for this purpose. The funds were donated to a wide package of benefits and benefits, remuneration and awards that supported the company’s employees throughout the year in line with the idea of creating a better life for many people.
Together in difficult times
Almost two years of the pandemic, the related changes and restrictions as well as anxiety resulting from concern for the health of one’s own and loved ones, had a direct impact on the everyday life of IKEA employees as well. In 2021, the company prepared a wide package of benefits aimed at ensuring good employment conditions, supporting the challenges related to the pandemic, as well as updating and preparing new benefits. In such uncertain times, employer support is especially important. The study “ Edelman Trust Barometer 2021 ” confirms that it is business that enjoys the greatest trust among the public, and the most , because as many as 76% of respondents trust their employer.
– Throughout the pandemic, IKEA Retail Polska maintained jobs, salaries and did not change employment conditions. During this time, the number of employees increased by about 600 new people. Compensation and benefits are an important element in recognizing the work performed by all our employees and support our ambition to create a better workplace while ensuring a fair income. Only this year, we have allocated PLN 76 million for employee benefits, and salaries increased by approx. 10.4%. Our efforts to be online and offline to customers in a year when the home has become more important than ever is reflected in the great results we celebrate today. Before Christmas, we will pay our employees One IKEA Bonus – a special bonus worth about PLN 36 million. We want to constantly take care to create an environment and a workplace in which each person will be able to develop and fulfill their ambitions – says Karin Sköld, President and General Director for Sustainable Development at IKEA Retail in Poland.
Benefits tailored to IKEA employees
The sense of community remains at the heart of IKEA’s culture – the strength of the company is mutual trust, pursuing the same goals together and enjoying work. At IKEA, people are the most important thing, so engaging employees is particularly important in creating a better life for customers and the planet together. The company’s priority is to offer the support that every employee needs. Hence, the package of benefits and benefits has been adapted to the current needs and circumstances resulting from the pandemic.
This is a difficult and stressful time for many people. In February 2021, the “Employee Support Program” was launched. It is IKEA-funded assistance that gives employees and their families access to free, confidential support in matters related to work, health or personal life. As part of it, you can take advantage of psychological, legal, financial and health advice. The “What’s Up?” Program has been introduced for all Ingka Group employees worldwide. The aim of the initiative is to sensitize and prepare employees, leaders and managers for the sometimes difficult conversation about the emotions and needs of the other person. The starting point is the seemingly simple question “What’s up?”, Which shows, above all, the readiness to listen and show support. Through engaging webinars, workshops and shared guides, the company wants to pay more attention to the role that our mental condition plays for each of us. During the training, employees can also learn how to build their mental resilience.
This year, IKEA offered each employee a “Day for me”. It is an additional, fully paid day off that can be used during 2021. This free day for themselves employees can devote to their passions or rest, depending on their individual needs. Each of them also received an IKEA gift card, thanks to which they could buy something that would make them happy and make them feel better.
At IKEA, a good atmosphere starts at home
Thanks to research conducted among IKEA employees around the world, it turned out that among the main values associated with the brand were issues related to sustainable development. IKEA employees are brand ambassadors, sharing the values and vision of sustainable development, caring for the climate and people. Therefore, as part of this year’s benefits, each employee also received a unique gift for his home or apartment – an air purifier FÖRNUFTIG.
In January last year, IKEA, as one of the first companies in Poland, introduced the Ojcowski holiday – a new form of support for both parents. Each employee who becomes a father can take advantage of an additional four weeks of full-paid Paternity Leave. This time can be used in full or divided into two two-week periods, thanks to which each dad can spend important moments with his child or support the other parent in everyday duties. Ojcowski leave is one of the examples of the company’s commitment to supporting balance in parenthood. Only in 2021, 162 people took advantage of this benefit.
All IKEA Retail Polska employees are provided with private medical care, which includes, inter alia, visits to general practitioners, specialists or psychological advice packages. Each IKEA employee can also take advantage of additional insurances, employee discounts on purchases at IKEA, or a system of selecting from among many additional benefits (as part of the cafeteria system), co-financing for meals, occasional and anniversary gifts. Each year, before Christmas, they also receive an additional amount that they can spend on meeting their own needs. IKEA also has an Enterprise Social Benefit Fund that can be used by people in difficult situations. During a pandemic, it is a great support for employees who experience unexpected random situations.
Thinking about people
The wide range of benefits for IKEA Retail employees in Poland results from the organizational culture and values that guide the company. Respect, setting a good example, working together and, above all, caring for people and the planet are a guideline in making all decisions.
The company’s involvement in this area was appreciated on November 30, 2021 during the 9th edition of the “Trustworthy Employer” competition, organized, among others, by by the Polish Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation of the Polish Promotional Emblem “Teraz Polska”. The initiative aims to distinguish companies and institutions that propose inspiring and effective solutions aimed at employees, especially those responding to a pandemic situation, taking into account professional development and protection of the rights of employees. The award in the “Education” category is the result of IKEA’s efforts to create an environment in which every employee feels safe and can constantly develop and fulfill themselves.
First Published: December 9, 2021
Source: Ikea Retail Press Office
