Ikea has embarked on an innovative hiring strategy by employing virtual staff in its new store on Roblox. Set to open on June 24, this digital venture marks a pioneering step in the retail industry.
The new roles will involve tasks such as guiding customers and serving digital meatballs, reflecting a blend of gaming and employment. This initiative aims to attract young talent from the UK and Ireland.
The virtual roles at Ikea’s Roblox store encompass various tasks, including assisting customers in navigating the digital environment and selecting furniture. These positions offer a unique opportunity for players to engage in an employment experience within a popular gaming platform.
This recruitment approach not only evaluates the candidates’ suitability for the digital realm but also adds an element of fun and creativity to the process.
Offering a pay rate of £13.15 per hour, equivalent to the London-based rate, the roles are open to individuals over 18 years of age from the UK and Ireland.
These reactions underscore the novelty of the concept, eliciting both amusement and scepticism from the public.
Roblox itself, valued at $25 billion and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has faced both acclaim and scrutiny. The platform has been involved in lawsuits over issues like facilitating illegal gambling and exposing children to explicit content, highlighting the complex landscape of virtual environments.
Darren Taylor, Ikea UK and Ireland’s country people and culture manager, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We’re excited to be the first brand to offer paid work on Roblox, showcasing our unique career philosophy.”
The success of Ikea’s initiative could pave the way for more companies to explore virtual employment opportunities, merging work and play in innovative ways.
Ikea’s entry into the Roblox metaverse marks a significant step in blending gaming with employment, offering a novel approach to engage younger talent.
The mixed reactions and potential for future growth highlight both the innovative nature and the challenges of virtual employment in the retail sector.
