Our ambition is to improve the well-being of millions of people by becoming a truly inclusive and people-centred company and employer by 2030. We are committed to provide and support decent and meaningful work while standing up for equality. We want to co-create sustainable, child-friendly, connected neighbourhoods and cities, together with relevant partners. Additionally we are committed to contribute to safe, affordable and sustainable places to call home in the communities where we are present. Find out below what we have been doing to acheive our ambition.
Stations of Joy
Since 2013, IKEA has been implementing the Social Responsibility programme “Stations of Joy”. Thereby it has been supporting municipal nursery and kindergarten schools in the wider regions of the IKEA stores, creating functional spaces where children can spend their time happily and creatively.
IKEA and FOURLIS Group are carrying out actions focusing on infrastructure and knowledge aiming at children and the youth. The program of refurbishing municipal libraries in remote and border areas of Greece was completed in 2016 within this framework. It was carried out by IKEA in collaboration with the Volunteer Network “Journalists Acting”. It was launched in 2014 and it involved the planning and the donation of IKEA furnishing in order to refurbish 10 libraries for children and the youth in border areas of Greece. Upon completion of the program, more than 1,500 children and young people have access to the world of books and more educational material, in a pleasant, cozy and functional environment.
Flavours of our Land
For three successive years, IKEA has been supporting local producers, giving people the opportunity to buy or taste their products and local traditional recipes, through the events FLAVOURS OF OUR LAND, which took place with the support of IKEA at the parking lot of IKEA Thessaloniki, Larissa, Ioannina and Attica stores.
IKEA member of the BOROUME Network
IKEA has been cooperating with the Non-Profit Organisation BOROUME since 2012. The organisation is engaged in fighting food waste and using food for public benefit purposes throughout Greece. In their cooperation’s framework, IKEA provides all meals that have not been served in restaurants of the Greek stores for free and on a daily basis. These go to organisations and foundations to supply fellow human beings who are in need.
Shelter for female victims of violence and their children in Thessaloniki
In 2013, IKEA undertook the renovation, decoration, and complete furnishing of a shelter intended to host female victims of violence and their children in Thessaloniki in collaboration with the city’s Municipality of Thessaloniki. With IKEA’s experienced decorators and the products offered by IKEA, the shelter was transformed into a warm accommodation for the women and children who have experienced violence in their lives.
The main objective of setting up and running this guesthouse is to secure housing, feeding, psychosocial counseling, support and information for those women who face difficulties on personal, social or professional level, in order to empower them, ease their problems and create the conditions that will lead to successfully resolving their increased personal and family difficulties and their escaping from the situation of hostage and despair, so that they can be integrated into society and working environments in dignity.
EGENTID – good for you, the farmers and the planet
SOARÉ – A place mat that makes a difference
Actions for the People
“The FOURLIS Group is its People.
Every single person that supports the Group’s operation on a daily basis.
At IKEA and the FOURLIS Group, the creation and protection of jobs, safe working conditions, meritocracy and personal development, respect for human rights, freedom and the provision of equal opportunities for education, evaluation and rewards for all, are the nucleus of our philosophy and practices, and constitue our primary concern.”
Education
Competition and the requirements of the modern market constantly create new needs for education and training. For this reason, the education of each employee at the FOURLIS Group begins when they are hired, and is ongoing.
Humanitarian Initiatives by IKEA and the FOURLIS Group Employees
Each Year, employees of IKEA and the FOURLIS Group carry out, their own humanitarian initiatives. They collect food, clothing, footwear, toys and other essentials that they offer to Institutions and Organizations in Greece and Cyprus. This action has been taking place since 2010 and it constitutes an action that all employees embrace with love and enthusiasm.
Voluntary Blood Donation
IKEA employees participate in the Voluntary Blood Donation of the FOURLIS Group, which takes place twice per year at the premises of the Group’s buildings.
Healthy & Sustainable Living
Circular & Climate Positive
Only recycled or recyclable based plastic in IKEA products by 2030