What I Wish The Public Knew About IKEA Canada

A while ago I shared an article on LinkedIn about IKEA Canada’s interest in public policy issues (Yes, IKEA is more than just meatballs!).??Industry and political decision-makers often have a “Wow” moment when learning about all the things IKEA is involved with. Usually these public policy conversations happen in private, behind closed doors (both real and virtual), however there is no reason that these can’t be shared with everyone. It isn't just what IKEA is doing that people react to, but also the why:??

IKEA Didn’t Access Government Supports During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The initial reaction when hearing this is to assume that “IKEA has deep pockets” to keep co-workers employed during the pandemic.?However,?throughout the pandemic, IKEA Canada has been considered a non-essential business. As a whole, IKEA stores across the country were closed for a total of more than 1000 business days.?The option did exist, like most Canadian businesses, to access such programs as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).?The decision not to pursue tax-payer funded programs was rooted in the?view that IKEA is not just a retailer, but part of the broader community.??Smaller businesses may not survive without government support programs – public funds may be better used to help more vulnerable people, including small/medium-sized businesses. ?In addition, by keeping IKEA co-workers employed, it means that people will have money in their pockets to support those other businesses in our communities.??For IKEA Canada it has not been about how we as a company are impacted by the pandemic, but rather how we can ensure our communities as a whole remain resilient.

IKEA Canada Provides at Least 8 Wellness Days

Throughout the pandemic there has been an on-going public debate around sick days.?Should the government mandate them???If so, how many are appropriate??What will be the cost of legislated sick days to employers? IKEA Canada hasn’t set foot into this discussion, not for any political reasons, but more for practical purposes. ?Even prior to start of the pandemic, IKEA offered co-workers a broad benefits package, which include at least eight Wellness Days.? The labour market was tight even before COVID-19; attracting the best talent requires offering competitive benefits and compensation.?However, deeper than this, Wellness Days are about living IKEA values, which includes Togetherness and Leading by Example. Pandemic or not, caring about others is always the right thing to do. We want co-workers to be their best selves.??A co-worker should never have the impossible choice between coming into work or caring for themselves or their loved ones.??In a pandemic, IKEA has chosen to lead by example; keeping our communities healthy and safe is everyone's responsibility not just the government's. It is one of the reasons that IKEA has been named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes seven years in a row.

IKEA is an Energy Company, a Grocery Store, a Restaurant….and more!

Did you know IKEA Canada is an energy company??IKEA owns two windfarms in Alberta and many of our units have roof-top solar panels.?As a whole IKEA Canada produces 4x more renewable energy than we consume across the country.??As well, did you know last year 8 million people visited IKEA Canada’s 14 restaurants??(In case you were wondering that’s 20 million meatballs in 2021 alone). IKEA stores are also community recycling depots that collect IKEA and non-brand batteries, lightbulbs and mattresses.

The non-furniture areas of the business brings IKEA into some public policy areas decision-makers wouldn’t expect IKEA to have an interest in such energy policy, food safety issues and emerging recycling regulations.

IKEA Knows Canadians

Did ever wonder why walking through an IKEA is so enjoyable? Customers can easily see themselves living in a showroom because IKEA products and services are an reflection of how Canadians are living. IKEA conducts in-depth research, such as home visits where we document everything from measuring cupboards to inventorying clutter. As such, IKEA designs solutions to meet the real-time needs of Canadians. Our insights are also published in Life at Home reports. What you see when you visit IKEA it is a snapshot of how Canadians are living.

The societal issues we face as Canadians around the environment, equality and cost-of-living are not the government's job to solve alone. We all have a responsibility to be part of the solution. While government has legislation/regulation as levers, IKEA is able to help co-workers and consumers live a better life through through affordability, sustainability, and design solutions. By listening to Canadians, IKEA is able to do its part in building a better Canada.

Timothy B. Fuchs is the Head of Public Affairs for IKEA Canada. Prior to joining IKEA Canada, he was with the Ontario Public Service for 15 years. Tim's hallmark is his humour, having been a (very amateur) stand-up comic and hosting his "Humour in the Workplace" workshops for corporate clients.??Follow Tim on?Twitter?or?LinkedIn?