IKEA made history by offering real paid positions in its Roblox virtual store called “The Co-Worker Game,” paying workers £13.15 per hour (approximately $16-16.48 USD), the same rate as London-based IKEA employees. The company hired 10 paid virtual workers during its June 2024 campaign, receiving an overwhelming 178,000 applications for these unique remote positions.
The Co-Worker Game is IKEA’s official Roblox experience that recreates a virtual IKEA store where players can explore showrooms, serve food at the Swedish Bistro, help customers, and arrange furniture displays. While anyone can play the game for free, IKEA selected 10 paid workers to provide customer service and manage in-game tasks as actual employees with real wages.
The application process for paid positions took place between June 3-16, 2024, through IKEA’s dedicated website at thecoworker.co.uk. Applicants needed to complete the following steps:
Submit an updated CV/resume
Complete a questionnaire with both serious and creative questions (such as “What IKEA furniture would you be and why?” and “How do you feel about being turned into pixels?”)
Optionally include a video submission showcasing personality and enthusiasm
Attend virtual interviews between June 14-18, 2024 if shortlisted
Demonstrate communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of IKEA’s culture
To qualify for paid positions, applicants must meet strict criteria:
Be 18 years of age or older
Reside in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland
Have strong communication and customer service skills
Be comfortable working in a virtual/digital environment
Show interest in IKEA’s culture and approach to careers
How Much Does IKEA Roblox Pay
Paid co-workers earn £13.15 per hour, matching the real living wage rate for London-based IKEA employees. This is actual real-world money, not Robux or in-game currency, making IKEA the first major brand to offer genuine paid employment within Roblox. The wage reflects IKEA’s commitment to fair compensation even in virtual work environments.
Can You Still Get Hired
The initial paid positions closed after the June 2024 hiring campaign, and the 10 selected workers have already been employed. However, the game remains open to all Roblox players who can explore the virtual store, help customers, serve food, and experience IKEA’s career culture without being paid. IKEA has not announced whether additional paid positions will open in the future, but the store continues to attract millions of visitors looking for the unique employment experience.
IKEA’s Roblox initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to recruitment, targeting younger generations by immersing them in the company’s workplace culture through gaming. The virtual positions mirror real-world IKEA’s non-linear career philosophy, where employees can switch departments, earn promotions, and explore different roles—both in the game and actual stores. With 6.7 million virtual store visitors and massive media attention, IKEA successfully demonstrated how brands can merge gaming with legitimate employment opportunities.
Hi there! I'm Sohel, a multi-faceted gamer, blogger, and website wizard. My passion lies in the vibrant worlds of gaming and anime, and I specialize in crafting engaging content and managing websites that cater to these communities.
When I'm not immersed in virtual adventures or crafting compelling words, you can find me sketching intricate designs or indulging in the captivating realms of movies, web series, and poetry.
I'm always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share my knowledge, and collaborate on exciting projects. Feel free to reach out and let's create something amazing together!
