IKEA makes moves with its parental leave policy

IKEA US is hearkening back to its Scandinavian roots with a change to its parental leave policy for the new year.

Effective January 1, 2017, salaried and hourly workers will be entitled to up to four months of paid parental leave -- including mothers, fathers, adoptive, and foster parents.

"At IKEA, we believe time with family and friends is so important for a healthy work-life balance and a happy and productive workforce," said Lars Petersson, IKEA US President. "This benefit, which applies to all parents, will give our co-workers the opportunity to spend more time with their families when welcoming a child. Our co-workers are our most important resource, which is why we continue to invest in helping them reach their dream."

The benefit will work on a sliding scale, however. Workers who have been with the company for more than one year can take up to three months of paid leave, receiving 100% of their base wage for the first 6 weeks, and 50% for the next 6 weeks.

Those with three years or more tenure can take up to four months, receiving 100% of their wages for the first 8 weeks, and 50% for the remaining 8 weeks.

Additionally, IKEA US is expanding benefits for other workers too. Employees will also have the option to take a sabbatical for personal and professional development.

The decision came after IKEA conducted research into what co-workers thought were the most important aspects of the American Dream. Work-life balance and time spent with family and friends were both on the top of the list.