As the world marks World Refugee Day, a day designated by the United Nations to honour the strength and resilience of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution, Ingka Group is sharing new insights into what makes refugee employment programmes succeed, and the challenges that remain.
A new study conducted with researchers from the University of Sydney and the Stockholm School of Economics highlights several factors that contribute to the success of refugee employment initiatives. The lessons come from Ingka Group’s Skills for Employment programme, which provides refugees with work experience, practical skills training, cultural orientation and language learning. Since its launch at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum, organised by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the programme has supported more than 4,300 refugees across 26 countries. In the last financial year alone, 600 participants completed the programme, with 143 moving into employment within IKEA.
Key findings from the study include:
- Workplace culture matters: supportive teams and engaged co-workers actively help refugee colleagues integrate, strengthening an inclusive company culture for all.
- Leadership support is important: strong internal backing helps organisations establish and sustain refugee employment programmes.
- Strong partnerships are essential: collaboration with NGOs and community organisations helps companies connect with refugee talent and provide tailored support.
- Local flexibility is key: labour markets, legal frameworks and refugee demographics vary widely, requiring programmes to be adapted to local conditions.
- Language remains one of the biggest barriers: even when refugees have strong professional skills, limited language proficiency can slow integration and career progression.
"This new research confirms something we’ve seen through our own experience, when refugees are given the opportunity to gain local work experience, learn the language and be a part of an organisation, they thrive in the workplace. It also highlights what makes these initiatives work, from supportive workplace cultures to strong partnerships in local communities. At a time when millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, businesses can play an important role by opening pathways to employment while strengthening their own teams with new perspectives, resilience and skills."– Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group
The study involved interviews with 57 people across 14 markets where Ingka Group operates, examining what enables refugee employment initiatives to succeed and where challenges remain. The research also highlighted another important factor, the IKEA organisational culture.
Built on values such as togetherness, simplicity and caring for people and planet, the culture encourages co-workers to actively support new colleagues. In many markets, this takes the form of a buddy system, where existing co-workers help new colleagues with refugee backgrounds navigate daily work routines and workplace expectations.
The study also shows that refugee integration programmes need to remain flexible and locally adapted. Labour market conditions, legal systems, refugee demographics and cultural norms vary significantly between countries, meaning local teams must adapt the global programme to their specific context.
In some markets, for example, IKEA stores organise Open Days, inviting refugee candidates to visit the workplace, learn about different roles and receive guidance before applying for positions. This helps lower barriers to entering the labour market and prepares candidates for recruitment processes.
"We see it in our line of work every day - employment is one of the most powerful ways to restore stability and dignity for people forced to flee. And the private sector is indispensable in making that possible. Businesses can turn opportunity into impact, by opening pathways to decent work, challenging misconceptions, and helping refugees become part of the communities they live in. This study demonstrates that when companies like Ingka invest in inclusive hiring, skills development, and changing the narrative, they don’t just support individuals. They strengthen their own organisations and entire societies. We need more businesses to lead with purpose."– Shirin Pakfar, Chief of Private Partnerships and Philanthropy at UNHCR
Ingka Group and UNHCR have been partnering across developing tools to enhance refugee employment in practice, advocating for fostering refugee inclusion and integration, and changing the narrative, bringing together Ingka Group’s business expertise and UNHCR’s nearly 75 years of experience in refugee protection.
Overcoming practical challenges
Despite the programme’s successes, the study also highlights several ongoing challenges. Language barriers remain one of the most significant obstacles for refugees entering the workforce and progressing in their careers.
"The report showcases a wide range of initiatives - both small and large - that can inspire other organisations looking to take meaningful action on refugee inclusion. It demonstrates that impactful inclusion is not limited to large-scale programmes such as that at IKEA; even relatively simple practices can make a significant difference when implemented thoughtfully."– Professor Betina Szkudlarek, University of Sydney Business School
The broader public conversation about forced displacement can also become polarised at times, making it important for organisations to clearly communicate the value of refugee inclusion, both socially and economically. For Ingka Group, the ambition is not only to support refugees directly, but also to encourage other companies to take similar steps. In support of this, Ingka Group open-sourced a Skills for Employment-toolkit, co-developed with UNHCR, to share practical guidance and lessons learned from the programme with organisations interested in launching similar initiatives.
Ingka Group has committed to supporting at least 3,000 additional refugees and asylum seekers between 2024 and 2027 through job training, language courses and work experience that prepare participants for employment at IKEA or with other organisations.
The full study on the Skills for Employment programme is available via the University of Sydney here.
Read more:
- Ingka Group presents inspiring stories of refugee co-workers: https://www.ingka.com/people-and-planet/fair-equal/skills-for-employment-lets-stand-with-refugees/
- Ingka Group shows how inclusion strengthens business on World Refugee Day 2025: Ingka Group shows how inclusion strengthens business on World Refugee Day
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 32 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.
About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. They deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, water and other basic necessities; help safeguard fundamental human rights; and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. Find out more: https://www.unhcr.org.
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