IKEA is looking for Roblox fans to work at its virtual store and get paid for it. In a press release on Monday, the Swedish home furnishings giant announced that it will launch "The Co-Worker Game," a virtual version of its store on Roblox. IKEA will hire 10 people for this virtual job.
IKEA Plans Real Pay for Roblox Virtual Work
Some people will experience earning a higher salary working a retail job on Roblox than in real life later this month as IKEA will open a store on the gaming platform and is hiring players to staff it, offering real pay.
According to the press release, the company said applications for The Co-Worker Game are open until June 16. IKEA has yet to specify the exact qualifications they're looking for in candidates, but the application process involves a questionnaire, a CV or resume submission, and an optional video.
Ten new employees, who must be over 18 and live in Ireland or the UK, will be hired on paid shifts. Candidates will be interviewed virtually, and selected employees will be paid £13.15 per hour.
Darren Taylor, IKEA's Country People and Culture Manager for the UK and Ireland, said that the company is excited to be the first brand to offer paid work on Roblox, aiming to showcase its unique approach to careers.
The company emphasized that there is no fixed path to career progression at IKEA. Employees can change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both within the game and in real life. IKEA on Roblox reflects this philosophy, providing many opportunities for learning and development.
Ikea is reportedly investing roughly $4.5 million to install additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 10 of its retail locations in Australia. (Photo : EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Roblox IKEA Wages, Gen Z Engagement
It is unclear how many hours per week the Roblox IKEA employees will work, but the 10 chosen personnel will likely earn higher hourly wages than some real-life IKEA employees.
In the US, IKEA's starting wages range from $16 to $18 per hour, while in London, the living wage is £11.95, and £10.90 for the rest of the UK.
Winnie Burke, head of fashion and retail partnerships at Roblox, told Rolling Stone that IKEA's new venture shows how brands can connect with Gen Z, who spend millions of hours daily on the platform.
Burke noted that brands engaging with their active community will be memorable for a generation valuing their digital life as much, or even more, than their physical one, influencing personal style and career decisions.
This news about working at IKEA on Roblox comes amid accusations of the gaming platform exploiting child labor for digital farming. In February, a group of parents sued Roblox, alleging it exploits children, who make up most of its users.
They claimed the company uses deceptive and unfair conduct to manipulate young people into spending money on the platform. Roblox denied the allegations, as the company is dedicated to offering a positive and safe experience for all ages.
It emphasized that "Respecting 'The Community'" is its core value and highlighted the positive impact of providing free tools to its developer community.
The spokesperson noted that most monetized experiences are created by developers over 18 and that the platform maintains community standards, key features, and educational materials to ensure safety and civility for both developers and users.
