IKEA Offers £13.15 an Hour to Work in Virtual Roblox Store
Furniture giant IKEA is set to pay people £13.15 / €14.80 per hour to work in a virtual store opening inside the popular gaming platform Roblox. The interactive experience, known as The Co-Worker Game, will allow players to “experience working in IKEA’s virtual universe” according to the company. With a limited number of paid roles available, fans will have the opportunity to live out their home furnishing dreams while earning a wage. Applications for these positions are open until June 16, with the game launching on June 24.
IKEA’s unique approach to careers, where non-linear career paths and lateral moves across departments are encouraged, will be showcased in this virtual experience. Successful applicants will have the chance to assist customers, move between different sections of the store such as the Showroom and Bistro, help customers select furniture, and even serve meatballs.
Darren Taylor, IKEA’s Country People and Culture Manager, expressed excitement about being the first brand to introduce paid work on Roblox. He highlighted IKEA’s philosophy of career progression, emphasizing the flexibility for co-workers to change roles and departments as they see fit. Successful candidates will undergo virtual interviews for the remote role between June 14 and June 18, with each hourly rate matching the London Living Wage.
It is worth noting that applicants must be 18 years or older and located in the UK or Republic of Ireland to be considered for these positions. The hourly rate offered by IKEA aligns with the London Living Wage and is higher than the National Living Wage. Roblox, known for its vast user base of 77.7 million daily active users, has become a platform for companies to engage with audiences through virtual experiences. Despite accusations of exploiting child developers, the platform has denied such claims.
This innovative collaboration between IKEA and Roblox is a testament to the evolving landscape of virtual experiences and online engagement. As companies continue to explore new ways to connect with consumers, the integration of gaming platforms like Roblox offers a unique opportunity for brands to interact with audiences in a creative and immersive manner.