IKEA introduces one weekend off in four initiative
Home furnishings giant IKEA has made all its 10,400 retail staff eligible for at least one weekend off in every four as it looks to help improve their work-life balance and equal opportunities.
The new initiative has been integrated into IKEA’s range of staff benefits which also include a pension loyalty scheme and an annual bonus. In 2015, the retailer committed to paying the real Living Wage to all staff.
Pernille Hagild, country HR manager for IKEA UK & Ireland, said: “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.”
The company said it plans to implement further benefits towards the end of 2017 as part of its wider Employment Standards strategy.
Hagild added: “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.”
Hear Pernille Hagild speak at Retail Bulletin’s 8th Annual HR Summit on 5 October.
