IKEA has taken a unique approach to remote working by seeking 10 employees to work in its Roblox virtual store, making it the first brand to offer paid work on the gaming platform. The store, named “The Co-Worker Game,” is set to open on June 24. Prospective applicants for these positions are required to imagine themselves as pixels and consider what they would do if the store ran out of pixelated hotdogs. They must also answer the question of which pixelated IKEA furniture piece they would be and why. Candidates must be over 18 years of age and reside in the United Kingdom or Ireland to apply for these positions.
Successful applicants will work in various sections of the online store, assisting customers in selecting furniture and serving digital meatballs. They will earn £13.15 ($16.82) per hour, equivalent to the pay of a real-life IKEA employee in London. This hourly rate is also higher than the US federal minimum wage and more than double the salary of IKEA workers in the United States. The employees will work alongside unpaid Roblox players who will have the opportunity to serve customers, explore showrooms, and utilize IKEA products to organize their virtual space.
Roblox, a popular gaming platform based in the US, has become a hit among young users aged 12 to 17, offering a blend of user-created games and social networking elements. IKEA’s move to establish a presence on Roblox marks its first step into mainstream gaming. Other brands such as Walmart have also ventured into the virtual world by creating Roblox stores for users to purchase physical items. While it is unclear if customers will be able to buy real IKEA products through the game, IKEA’s decision to offer paid positions on Roblox has generated significant buzz on social media platforms.
The unusual job listing from IKEA went viral on social media, with many expressing their disappointment at not being selected for an interview. American TikTok users even posted videos of themselves preparing for the job in case IKEA decides to expand the opportunity to the United States. This innovative approach to remote work illustrates IKEA’s commitment to exploring new avenues and engaging with a younger audience through virtual platforms. The Co-Worker Game on Roblox provides a unique opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in the world of an IKEA store while earning a competitive salary for their contributions.
