IKEA looking to hire real workers to staff virtual store

Furniture retailer IKEA is looking for employees to work at its newest store, a virtual IKEA that exists entirely within the online gaming platform .

The Swedish furniture manufacturer is hiring real flesh-and-blood employees, known by IKEA as co-workers, to work in the online store serving up virtual meatballs and helping customers pick out furniture.

Ten employees will be hired to earn a real wage, making about $16 an hour, and will even be eligible for promotions within the company.

“The Co-Worker Game,” an online universe hosted on Roblox, launches June 24.

“The immersive experience gives players the opportunity to experience IKEA’s unique approach to careers where non-linear career journeys are the norm and lateral moves across departments are commonplace,” the company said in a news release.

As for the store itself, it will feature the retailer’s popular Swedish Food Market and Bistro and furniture showrooms and visitors can receive exclusive game content.

Darren Taylor, culture manager for IKEA U.K. and Ireland, said the furniture manufacturer is the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox, which is consistent with the company’s progressive philosophy on career building.

“At IKEA, there is no set route to career progression,” Taylor said. “Our co-workers are able to change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both in the game or in the real world. There are many ways to learn and grow at IKEA, and that’s what IKEA on Roblox is all about.”

The application period opened this week and will close on June 16. Virtual interviews will take place the following week.

Unfortunately for North American IKEA lovers, the roles are restricted to residents of the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland.

For more information about the new virtual IKEA and “The Co-Worker Game” experience on Roblox, .