Retailer introduces new, flexible Wellness Days to support co-worker health, wellbeing and work-life balance
BURLINGTON, ON, March 3, 2020 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada is proud to be named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes Magazine for the fifth year in a row. This year, IKEA Canada again placed within the Top Five in the Retail and Wholesale category.
"At IKEA, our culture and values are at the heart of our co-worker experience and we work hard to create an open, inclusive and supportive workplace where every individual can feel empowered to be themselves and make a difference," said Michael Ward, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada. "As we continue to transform and innovate our business, we are committed to ensuring that IKEA continues to be a great place to work and supports a better everyday life for our co-workers."
Recently, IKEA Canada introduced Wellness Days as a new, flexible benefit to co-workers nationwide. Co-workers can use Wellness Days to suit a number of personal needs, including illness or injury, supporting a family member, personal emergencies, participating in a community event or volunteering, weather related events, personal appointments, financial planning, or even spending time with a new pet. Planned Wellness Days can be booked in advance and are incremental to co-worker vacation days.
"We heard directly from our co-workers that they were looking for greater flexibility to balance responsibilities between work and life," said Tanja Fratangeli, Head of People and Culture, IKEA Canada. "Wellness Days enable IKEA to support our co-workers in fostering a healthy work-life balance and are one of many steps we are taking to create a more holistic offer for health and wellbeing."
Here are a few, of the many reasons, why IKEA is a Great Place to Work:
- In 2020, IKEA evolved its traditional Sick Pay program to introduce Wellness Days, offering more flexibility for co-workers to manage responsibilities outside of work.
- IKEA introduced a new benefits program in 2019. Developed together with co-workers from across the country, this program has a strong focus on health and well-being. Co-workers can use wellness credits towards gym membership, equipment or classes.
- Equality remains a key focus at IKEA with the goal to reflect the diversity of Canada and create an inclusive work environment where every co-worker can be themselves. This includes a focus on gender equality, 52% of co-workers and 51% of managers are women
- Co-workers are provided schedules four weeks in advance and have guaranteed minimum hours to promote better work-life balance.
- IKEA is truly a global organization and encourages co-workers to be curious about their career growth and explore new opportunities to learn in different IKEA companies, countries and roles.
- Co-worker Total Rewards include a competitive RRSP program, the Tack! Ingka loyalty program, a performance-driven bonus program, subsidized meals, a co-worker discount, paid uniform and safety boots subsidy.
- A global iWitness Ambassador program where co-workers can see first-hand the positive impact the IKEA Foundation has on improving the lives of children globally.
- An annual Swedish cultural experience trip for co-workers to the heart of IKEA – Älmhult, Sweden! These culture ambassadors learn about the roots, history and culture of IKEA.
About IKEA Canada
Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 374 IKEA stores in 30 countries, including 14 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 31 million visitors to its stores and 117 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.
SOURCE IKEA Canada
Kristin Newbigging, Public Relations Leader, [email protected]
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