CXO INSIGHT
Hiring and retaining talent is growing increasingly difficult . This is partially due to the Great Resignation and the latest effects of the pandemic , either way , now , it is the employees ’ market . In light of this , IKEA has deployed a unique recruitment strategy , using 3D-printed meatballs to harness the imagination of applications , and slowly make that transition into technology .
The importance of building a diverse and sustainable workforce with a high level of digital skills is of paramount importance for any organisation hoping to improve its competitive edge and secure long-term growth . As part of its ambitious new ‘ Taste the Future ’ recruitment campaign , IKEA is on the hunt for the best data and technology talent across Europe .
In line with the company ’ s commitment to becoming more sustainable , IKEA is inviting candidates to taste its new plantbased 3D-printed Swedish meatballs as part of the interview experience . IKEA hopes to entice a diverse range of digital professionals , with social science skills and skills in data science , software development , cybersecurity and engineering , through a unique job interview process , using the 3D-printed meatballs to show how important people with imagination really are .
We spoke to Karen Rivoire , Global Employer Brand Leader at IKEA , more about this unique recruitment process and the company ’ s sustainability efforts . . . .
Can you tell us about your career journey so far ?
The first word that jumped to mind was hybrid . I ' ve always worked across product development , people , strategy , tech , sustainability and innovation . Before IKEA , the biggest chunk of my career was with Unilever . They recruited me to work on employer branding because I had a product development and marketing background . So here I am , 20 years later . I just love the complexity of different human systems and trying to work with innovative ideas to create a better world and I think IKEA is a great home base to do that .
Can you tell us about the ' Taste the Future ' campaign ?
We wanted to invite people with imagination – who share our values – to create the future of life at home and we wanted it to be as simple as possible . That ’ s why we chose the iconic meatball , as a metaphor for people . We wanted to show up as a life-at-home business with people in the forefront , rather than only talking about technology . We didn ' t want to pretend to be
Karen Rivoire , Global Employer Brand Leader at IKEA
“ As people look at automating HR more , don ' t forget the humanity behind it all .”
IKEA is inviting ‘ people with imagination ’ for a job interview over experimental 3D-printed meatballs as part of a new data and technology recruitment campaign . During 2022 the brand will open more than 150 technology and innovation roles across Europe . We spoke to Karen Rivoire , Global Employer Brand Leader at IKEA , about this unique recruitment process .
IKEA : TASTE
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