IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) throw a fully remote talent-centric event

Meet IKEA Retail – An Ingka Group Holding

Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V. and its controlled entities) is one of 12 different groups of companies that own and operate IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

They are split into three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres – and happily call themselves the world’s largest home furnishing retailer.

Challenges

Remote talent focus week

IKEA faced the challenge of conducting their Talent Focus Week fully remotely in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This required a shift from physical to online activities, which presented logistical and engagement challenges.

Promoting curiosity

The company wanted to promote curiosity among its co-workers, especially in emerging technologies like Golang and REACT. They needed a way to engage participants in coding challenges and generate interest in these technologies.

Results

Successful transition to online activities

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, IKEA successfully transformed their Talent Focus Week into an online event. They transitioned over 100 local activities into a digital agenda, making it accessible to a broader audience of co-workers across multiple locations.

High engagement

The event saw significant engagement, with over 1500 visits on the event hub, 38 session recording views, and 5000 participants in workshops, mind/body activities, and social activities. This demonstrated the effectiveness of their approach in keeping co-workers engaged and connected during challenging times.

Coding challenge participation

Over 950 people participated in the coding challenge, indicating a strong interest in exploring coding and technology even among non-tech colleagues. The challenges were designed to trigger curiosity and encourage co-workers to try their hand at coding.

Promoting learning and exploration

IKEA’s focus on promoting curiosity and providing learning opportunities was well-received. Co-workers appreciated the chance to explore technologies like Golang and REACT through DevSkiller challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

Impegno dei dipendenti

Despite the remote nature of the event, IKEA’s Talent Focus Week helped maintain employee engagement and socialization during a challenging period. It allowed co-workers to come together virtually, participate in various activities, and enhance their professional growth.

Adattabilità

IKEA’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances by shifting from physical to online activities demonstrated their commitment to employee engagement and their willingness to find innovative solutions to challenges.

1. 1500+ participants in workshops, mind/body, and social activities

2. 38 people participated in the coding challenge

3. 950 people signed up for online learning
   

4. 5000 visits on the event hub and session recording views