IKEA, the Swedish furniture and home goods giant founded in 1943, is launching ‘The Co-Worker Game’ on Roblox, allowing players to experience working in a virtual IKEA universe. In an exciting twist, the company with over 490 stores in 62 countries is offering a limited number of paid roles for players to work in the virtual store.
Applications for these paid positions are open from today until Sunday, June 16th, 2024. This innovative marketing campaign blurs the lines between gaming and reality.
Immersive Career Exploration
‘The Co-Worker Game’ offers an immersive experience that showcases IKEA’s unique approach to careers, where non-linear journeys and lateral moves across departments are the norm. This virtual universe, IKEA’s first foray into mainstream gaming.
It gives people a chance to immerse themselves in the working world of IKEA, complete with paid, virtual co-worker roles. IKEA, with over 166,000 employees worldwide, is known for its commitment to employee development and growth.
Paid Virtual Roles Up for Grabs
Starting June 3rd, 2024, IKEA is accepting applications for 10 paid co-worker positions in the virtual store. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to flex their skills, and assist customers.
They will get promoted to move departments, mirroring the real-world IKEA experience. What better way to explore a career at IKEA, a company with over 22,000 UK employees, than by working in their virtual world?
A Taste of IKEA’s World
Beyond the paid roles, the broader Roblox community, gamers, and IKEA fans alike can work, explore, and experience the virtual world of IKEA on Roblox. They can venture to the iconic Swedish Food Market and Bistro, serving up endless meatballs (IKEA sold over 1 billion meatballs in 2021).
They can visit various showrooms and organize the space using famous IKEA products like the BILLY bookcase (over 60 million sold since 1979). The opportunities for immersion are endless, with chances to win exclusive IKEA user-generated content (UGCs).
A Unique Career Philosophy
“We’re excited to be the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox, showcasing how we approach careers differently,” said a spokesperson for IKEA, which generated over $48 billion in revenue in 2022. “At IKEA, there is no set route to career progression.
Our co-workers can change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both in the game or in the real world. There are many ways to learn and grow at IKEA, and that’s what IKEA on Roblox is all about.”
The Recruitment Process
Virtual interviews for shortlisted applicants will take place between June 14th and June 18th, 2024, for this fully remote virtual role. Each successful applicant will be paid an hourly IKEA Co-Worker rate of £13.15 for their time on the game, aligned with the real Living Wage Foundation rate.
The virtual employees will undergo training and work set shifts in the game’s IKEA store. IKEA aims to provide an authentic work experience while promoting its brand in an innovative way.
Hands-on Experience in IKEA’s World
IKEA on Roblox, developed by the Swedish game design company The Gang, launches on June 24th, 2024. This virtual store offers a unique opportunity to experience the breadth of roles and career progression routes available at IKEA through a series of games inspired by real-life jobs at the Swedish retailer that welcomed over 837 million visitors to its stores in 2022.
Players can explore different departments, take on challenges, and earn virtual rewards. The immersive experience aims to educate and entertain while fostering an appreciation for IKEA’s corporate culture and values.
A Pioneering Move in Virtual Careers
This gamified approach to recruitment and career exploration is a pioneering move for IKEA, which has always been known for innovative thinking. By tapping into the virtual world of Roblox, the company aims to engage with a new generation of potential employees in a fun and interactive way.
The virtual co-worker roles allow candidates to get a taste of the IKEA experience before committing to a real-world position.
Aligning with Corporate Values
IKEA’s foray into the Roblox metaverse aligns with the company’s values of inclusivity and accessibility. By offering paid roles in a virtual setting, IKEA is opening up new avenues for individuals to explore career opportunities, regardless of their physical location or circumstances.
This initiative demonstrates IKEA’s commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Moreover, it showcases IKEA’s innovative approach to engaging with younger generations through immersive digital experiences.
Eligibility and Application Details
To apply for the paid co-worker roles, candidates must be 18 or older and reside in the UK or Republic of Ireland. For more information, full terms and conditions, and details on how to apply, visit https://www.thecoworker.co.uk.
To learn more about careers at IKEA, a company with roots dating back to 1943 in Småland, Sweden, and their unique approach, interested individuals can visit the official IKEA website. This virtual job opportunity exemplifies IKEA’s commitment to innovation and exploring new frontiers in the digital realm.
