Social impact
We're on a mission to create a better everyday life for people all over the world, and we take our responsibility seriously in the local communities where we're present. We want to help build a society that’s fairer and more equal and we want to do it through thoughtful and enduring actions. Above all, we want our community outreach to have a positive impact on people and planet wherever we are and whatever we’re doing. From standing up for equal rights to social entrepreneurship and community engagement, here are the many ways in which we put people first.
Better homes, better lives'
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for as many people as possible. We know that better homes mean better lives and a better planet. For many people this is not a given and not even attainable.
However, many people in our community do not have access to better homes and a better life, despite access to an adequate standard of living, including housing, which is a human right.
We have decided to focus on empowering people living in poverty (or at risk of poverty) and social inclusion to develop their potential and capacity to have a better everyday life. We do this by increasing their access to a better life at home, by furnishing homes. That is why The Salvation Army is our partner in achieving our goals. The Salvation Army wants to create space in a tight housing market for people for whom an independent, safe home is an important stepping stone to a stable life. In 2024 we will work together with the Salvation Army to help hundreds of people.
The IKEA Neighborhoods approach and model will help us create a positive social impact through our business and how we can involve the many people - employees, customers, citizens and our partners. We also furnish community center rooms for the Salvation Army. These are community living rooms in and around the neighborhood, where you can find a cup of coffee, a meal, a good conversation, but also second-hand clothing. A place where you come home and where everyone is welcome.
Locations of projects we did in 2023-2024: Amersfoort, Groningen, Amsterdam, Zwolle, Heerlen, Arnhem, Dordrecht, Terneuzen, Wassenaar and more will follow.
Let's change the narrative around refugees
Spreading misinformation about refugees is easy. It’s time to hear the less spoken side of the story, time to dispel the myths, discover the truth, and meet the real people behind the label.
The LGBT+ community is facing an inclusion gap.
Too many in the LGBT+ community, especially younger people, face a real inclusion gap. We can close this gap by listening, understanding and building bridges. So that's why we've talked to people from this community about their experiences, dreams and visions for a more inclusive future.
Make LGBT+ people feel at home
Everybody should have somewhere they’re welcome and accepted. But only half of LGBT+ people feel they can be open about who they are, even with their family. Together, let’s make the LGBT+ community feel at home.
Working with social entrepreneurs for a better future
One way we’re creating a better everyday life for the many people is by promoting social entrepreneurs to create long-lasting, positive change for those who need it most.
Suppliers – our partners in responsible business
Our suppliers are our partners in affecting positive change. Together we work to run our businesses in a socially and environmentally responsible way, creating a better everyday life for people around the world.
A little place mat that makes a big difference
Made from Vietnamese water hyacinth, SOARÉ may seem like a simple place mat. However, it also keeps local waterways passable, preserves traditional handicrafts and earns the weavers extra money.
Promoting ethical hand-weaving
Together with our suppliers, we’re working to improve the way hand-made rugs are produced in India and Bangladesh, ensuring more care for the environment, good working conditions and better gender equality.
IKEA sustainability ambitions for 2030
The IKEA Sustainability Strategy – People & Planet Positive – sets out our goals for transforming the IKEA business, the industries in the IKEA value chain and life at home for people all across the world.
