IKEA Japan unveils #Facethegap campaign for inclusivity

IKEA Japan, the local branch of the globally recognized home furnishing company from Sweden, in collaboration with its parent corporation, the Ingka Group, is launching their #facethegap campaign. Unveiled on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on May 17, 2023, the campaign will endeavor to bridge inclusion gaps in both the workplace and broader communities.

The Swedish company, with its motto of “making every day more comfortable for more people,” plans to undertake novel in-store initiatives. To drive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, IKEA is creating diverse room settings, a visual representation of their commitment to inclusivity. Moreover, they will be introducing gender-neutral facilities such as restrooms, baby care rooms, and employee locker rooms in selected stores, with a nationwide rollout envisaged in the near future.

A champion for inclusivity, IKEA is committed to fostering an environment where individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel as comfortable as they would at home. However, a recent in-house study by the Ingka Group highlighted a concerning trend – 38% of their LGBT+ employees reported feeling hesitant to express their true selves. The study underscored the magnitude of the “inclusion gap” within the organization and broader society, especially among the younger generation of the LGBT+ community who often feel unaccepted and undervalued.

IKEA stores across Japan have taken the first step towards addressing this gap by featuring room sets that mirror the diversity of modern society. Each room set is designed with a specific persona in mind, covering various attributes such as age, gender, family composition, income, and lifestyle. This move illustrates IKEA’s proactive approach to inclusivity and their commitment to provide a comfortable living experience to a wider audience.

Another stride towards this goal came from the students at Tokyo Mode Gakuen who, under the guidance of IKEA Japan’s interior design team, designed a room on the theme of “genderless.” Their creation has been on display at IKEA Kohoku since March, symbolizing the company’s commitment to dismantling societal norms around gender.

IKEA Japan is expanding its push for inclusivity to its facilities. Gender-neutral restrooms, baby care rooms, and employee locker rooms, introduced in select stores, are soon to become a nationwide feature. IKEA Kohoku has led the charge since 2022, with IKEA Shinmisato following suit. The introduction of these amenities, designed with a focus on privacy, demonstrates IKEA’s continuous dedication to a more inclusive society.