IKEA Redefines Equality with its New Parental Policy in India

IKEA has announced a unique parental leave and HR policy in India under which the co-workers, including the men, will be able to avail six months leave on a child’s birth alongside other benefits. The co-workers will be able to avail the leaves with full salary they are entitled to. The policy has been announced on Women’s Day, to extend support for women and men in their role as parents and as professionals.

IKEA, through its many policies, is empowering the co-workers with many unique initiatives to create a great place to work for men and women both.

1.     Equal and balanced working environment with 50/50 men women at all levels in all functions.

2.     Day care centers in connection to each IKEA store.

3.     Transportation to and from work to ensure that everyone arrives to work and home again in a safe and secure way.

IKEA wants to create an inclusive environment for its co-workers that fits both men and women. Policies are defined to create an inclusive environment for all co-workers in different areas of the business and in different levels of the organization. IKEA believes in a culture where the value added by each individual is recognized.

Announcing the new set of initiatives along with other HR policies, Anna-Carin Månsson, Country HR Manager, IKEA India said, “I am delighted to share this piece of news with all our co- workers in India who have been working towards building the IKEA brand in India. For us the co-workers are no less than a family and it becomes imperative for us help them through important phase like this of their lives. What makes it all the more special is announcing this on Women’s Day. We remain committed towards empowering our co-workers at the workplace and ensure equal opportunities.”

Under the parental policy, it’s mandatory for male co-workers to submit a letter/proof of return to work from their partner’s employer and has resumed work post maternity leave to avail all the benefits under this policy. Similar benefits will also be extended to co-workers planning surrogacy or adoption.

The female co-workers will also have an option of reduced working hours in the nursing period; additional 2 weeks of leave with full pay in case of tubectomy operation; leave with full pay and benefits for a maximum period of 1 month in case of illness arising out of pregnancy, delivery, premature birth of child.