Social impact
We take our responsibility seriously in the local communities where we're present. From supporting equal rights and LGBT+ inclusion to partnering with social entrepreneurs and applying our IWAY sourcing standards, here are the concrete ways in which we work to put people first.
Changing the narrative on refugees
IKEA is supporting refugees through initiatives like our Skills for Employment programme. Discover stories of refugee resilience and learn more about how we're supporting refugees through our initiatives.
LGBT+ inclusion
Home can be the base for nurturing self-confidence, happiness and belonging—especially for people in the LGBT+ community. When acceptance and inclusion create equal opportunities for all sexualities and identities, we’re better together.
Working with social entrepreneurs
We support social entrepreneurs through financial support, access to the competence of IKEA co-workers, accelerator programmes and collaboration opportunities - creating jobs and income opportunities for, e.g., smallholder farmers, artisans, migrants, refugees and waste workers.
Working with suppliers who share our standards
IWAY, our mandatory code of conduct, sets clear expectations for working conditions, human rights, environmental practices and animal welfare for suppliers and service providers in scope. Through long-term relationships built on dialogue and collaboration, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy to child and forced labour and work with suppliers to raise standards on fair wages and responsible recruitment.
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.
Improving working conditions in hand-weaving
Together with our suppliers in India and Bangladesh, we have replaced informal rug-weaving arrangements with regulated weaving centres meeting the IKEA IWAY code of conduct. Here, weavers have better opportunities to develop craft skills and earn wages that meet applicable legal and IWAY requirements.
