"We're thrilled to receive the Family Champion award honor and for IKEA to be recognized as a great place to work, especially for working mothers," said Pernille Spiers-Lopez, president, IKEA North America. "We empower our co-workers and respect people's personal lives, and we have seen how in return people respect their responsibilities. This has a tremendous influence on job productivity, growth and development, which ultimately benefits our customers."
At IKEA, workplace benefits include: full medical/dental insurance for co-workers that work 20 hours or more per week (a rarity in the retail industry), a fully paid health plan including coverage for domestic partners and children, paid maternity/paternity leave, paid time off for child adoption, elder care resources available, tuition assistance, a generous 401(k) matching plan, flexible work arrangements including job share, telecommuting and condensed work weeks, as well as quiet rooms and lactation rooms.
The IKEA company philosophy to create a better everyday life for its customers, as well as its co-workers has significantly influenced the company's workplace environment, family-friendly initiatives and the benefits available to support co-workers' needs. In 2002, IKEA saw a significant decrease in sales staff turnover to 56%, down from 76% in 2001. In addition, women represent more than 48% in management positions and are 47% of the company's top earners. Also, 60% of co-workers take advantage of the flexible work arrangements that the company offers and 36% of IKEA part-time and full-time co-workers participate in the IKEA tuition assistance program, which has helped many co-workers complete undergraduate college degrees, as well as advanced degrees at graduate schools.
What used to serve as motivating incentives for employees such as stock options, a company car and a holiday bonus has now been replaced with a mindset that puts tremendous weight and importance on time. The opportunity to spend more "quality time" with family, friends and be able to do the things in life that bring personal joy, happiness and enable good health are extremely valuable to people across the country. At IKEA, co-workers are given the opportunity to "unleash their potential" and to have a better life with the company's full support and commitment to work/life balance.
