Equality and sustainability

We want to create a better everyday for many people This is why we work hard to make a difference in equality, sustainability and inclusion, both in and out of IKEA.

We support the integration of refugees into the workforce

At IKEA, we support the integration of groups at risk of social exclusion. In order to assist with the integration of refugees, we have developed an Employability Programme which offers training in our stores to the parents of refugee families, thereby supporting their integration into the labour market. IKEA workers from locations as far apart as Madrid, Galicia and Murcia have been able to share this rewarding experience with refugees who now form part of our family.

Who better to tell you about it than the actual people involved? ¡Read their stories here!

We want to tell you the reason for our collaboration with CEAR and Accem.

Hear the refugees’ stories

“Here there is no discrimination, and they give you the opportunity to pregress"

Columba. Columba is from Venezuela, and works in the Sales department.

“This opportunity has given me more confidence in myself"

Claudia. Claudia is from El Salvador, and works in Customer Service.

“I am like a child, being bought up by the best parents"

Shalva. Shalva is from Georgia, and works in the Logistics department.

Improving people's lives

The ÅTERSTÄLLA collection is only available in some countries, like Belgium or the Netherlands. This collection has now arrived in Spain as a result of the collaboration of IKEA with Ellas lo Bordan. Our fabrics are the raw material for creating 6 cushion covers that will be sold at our Madrid stores.

Elena Gasco of IKEA holding a cushion from the ÅTERSTÄLLA collection

Give us a square of cloth and we’ll change the world.

Get to know all the life stories of the women in Ellas lo Bordan

Giane from Ellas lo Bordan holding a cushion from the ÅTERSTÄLLA collection

“My daughter is looking forward to seeing my cushions in IKEA"

Giane, seamstress from Ellas lo Bordan

Lorena of Ellas lo Bordan holding a cushion from the ÅTERSTÄLLA collection

“When I start to sew, I feel free"

Lorena - Seamstress of Ellas lo Bordan

Kathy from Ellas lo Bordan holding a cushion from the ÅTERSTÄLLA collection

“What I like most about the workshop is that it makes me and my son feel safe"

Kathy – Seamstress from Ellas lo Bordan

Dyna from Ellas lo Bordan holding a cushion from the ÅTERSTÄLLA collection

“Every day is a new challenge: if you didn’t get it right yesterday, you try again tomorrow"

Dyna - seamstress from Ellas lo Bordan

Equal work is better

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March. But we believe equality is important every day. This is why we have spent years encouraging equal opportunities of men and women, and shared responsibility.