Let’s talk with refugees, not about them
Over 100 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. This number continues to grow, as does the discrimination they face in the search for homes, jobs, and stability. Refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia bring valuable skills, knowledge, and experience. Despite their motivation to work and contribute, they often encounter barriers such as lack of local experience, negative stereotypes, and limited networks.
In October 2020, we partnered with Community Corporate to launch a pilot program providing paid work placements to refugees and asylum seekers.
This initiative helps individuals gain valuable Australian work experience, build confidence, and find stable employment inside or outside IKEA.
During the pilot program, 84% of participants secured ongoing employment with IKEA, demonstrating the mutual benefits of supporting refugees into the workforce. The initiative is now a permanent part of our recruitment process, providing stable and meaningful employment opportunities to refugees and people seeking asylum.
In four years, we've welcomed 240 remarkable individuals from 23 cultural backgrounds, speaking 40 languages, into our stores and warehouses.
This program and its positive community impact have been recognised with several awards. IKEA Australia is honoured to have received:
- Outstanding Partnership Award - Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA)
- Excellence in Social Impact Award - Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC)
- DEI (Diversity, Equality & Inclusion) Excellence Award – Australian Retailers Association (ARA)
Let’s change the way we think
New research from the University of Sydney confirms half of Australian businesses want to hire refugees, yet most don’t.
During World Refugee Week 2023, Community Corporate, IKEA, Woolworths and the University of Sydney Business School participated in an online panel. This explored the evolution of refugee workforce pilot initiatives to become permanent pillars of recruitment.
Three ways to take action
1. If you're an employer
At IKEA, we believe employers have an important role to play in actively welcoming refugees and asylum seekers – and by seeing how their talent and potential, strong mutual benefits can be realised for the individual, businesses, and communities.
If you’re an employer interested in this initiative, watch this short video or contact Refugee Workforce Inclusion Leader Harriet Pope.
2. If you're looking for employment
We believe everyone, including refugees and people seeking asylum, have the right to employment, no matter who we are or where we come from.
If you’re a refugee or person seeking asylum looking for employment, contact Community Corporate.
3. If you're a member of the public
We can all show solidarity and stand with refugees and asylum seekers.
If you're a member of the public, find out 10 ways to show your support with UNHCR Australia.
Social initiatives at IKEA
At IKEA, we’re committed to taking a stand for all refugees. See how we work with refugees across our business below:
