New IKEA Store in Roblox Will Pay Players To Work There

In a move that blurs the divide between reality and the virtual world of video games, IKEA, the furniture company, has revealed that it will pay Roblox players £13.15 or €14.80 per hour to work at the IKEA virtual store. The new IKEA store in Roblox has been announced, but the actual in-game experience is set to launch on June 24 and will be dubbed “The Co-Worker.”

“The immersive experience gives players the opportunity to experience IKEA’s unique approach to careers where non-linear career journeys are the norm and lateral moves across departments are commonplace.”

IKEA press release

The idea around the game allows Roblox players to create their own virtual dream home using various furniture and items available from IKEA, and on top of all that, a limited number of players can apply for paid, fully remote virtual career roles. Applications for these roles opened on June 3, 2024, and will continue for roughly two weeks until June 16. The only caveat is that players who wish to apply must be at least 18 years of age or older and must reside in the United Kingdom or Ireland.

As part of the process, there will be a questionnaire and an updated CV will be necessary, with optional video submissions allowed. After that, applicants who are chosen by the furniture brand will need to follow up on their paid roles by completing a virtual interview between Thursday, June 14, and Tuesday, June 18. According to IKEA, “Each successful applicant will be paid an hourly IKEA Co-Worker rate for their time on the game.” The retailer added that there will be 10 roles available.

This will be IKEA’s first attempt at a digital entertainment game and will allow Roblox players the ability to venture around the IKEA virtual world and visit places such as the Swedish Food Market and Bistro, granting them the opportunity to serve up some of IKEA’s famous food dishes.

Players will also be able to visit a number of virtual showrooms and reorganize many of the available IKEA items within. Furthermore, the furniture brand also adds that there will be chances to win some of IKEA’s most exclusive UGC (user-generated content).

“We’re excited to be the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox to showcase how we do careers differently, bringing our unique careers philosophy to life,” said Darren Taylor, IKEA’s country people and culture manager. “At IKEA, there is no set route to career progression. Our co-workers are able to change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both in the game or in the real world. There are many ways to learn and grow at IKEA, and that’s what IKEA on Roblox is all about.”