How do you measure this ambition?
"There are many factors that make it complex to come up with one overall measurement. What is critical is that we analyze the factors that can influence positive impact in individual initiatives and monitor them. Evaluating success needs to include the people affected. We are working on frameworks for measurement, as well as engaging externally with others."
Can you give some concrete examples?
"There are many, but a couple of specific areas of focus come to mind.
One is responsible wage practices. We want to ensure that every IKEA co-worker and every worker at IKEA suppliers has access to decent employment with a fair income. We began several years ago to work with the fair wage approach which focuses on a holistic approach to wage structures development.
We wanted to gain understanding of how this might work and the realities in different environments. We conducted pilots in retail markets, in supply countries, as well as at our own IKEA Industry Group. Findings have created insight and learning into the complexity of wages and benefits and our Responsible Wage Practices project will take this and further develop a framework for a common approach across our business.
Another area is transportation and our supply chain, which is partly outside of our direct operations, but where we can still have an impact. Truck drivers who transport IKEA products are employed by independent service providers. Through IWAY, our code of conduct for suppliers, we put strict demands on our transport service providers with respect to wages, benefits and working conditions. Our transport team conducts interviews to understand working conditions directly from drivers. As we are only one stakeholder, we also know it is important to engage others: We discuss key questions in the EU transportation industry – alongside stakeholders from companies, the transportation industry, the EU political spectrum, unions and NGOs."