Ohio IKEA to offer paid parental leave up to 4 months for both parents

IKEA U.S., which has a location in West Chester Twp., announced it will offer up to four months of paid parental leave for workers.

The new policy includes salaried and hourly workers, both mothers and fathers, and adoptive and foster parents, according to a company release. This expanded policy was introduced to “ensure co-workers have the opportunity to bond with their children and connect as a new family,” the company said.

RELATED: IKEA store in Columbus nears completion

The company policy is effective on Jan. 1. IKEA is the world’s largest retailer in the world, and has one store open in Ohio — located in West Chester Twp.

“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 U.S. President.

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Co-workers who have been with IKEA for more than one year can take up to three months of paid leave to be with their family, receiving 100 percent of their base wage for the first six weeks of parental leave and 50 percent for an additional six weeks.

Co-workers with three or more years at the company can take up to four months of paid leave, receiving 100 percent of their base wage for the first eight weeks and 50 percent for an additional eight weeks. This is in addition to the six to eight weeks of Short Term Disability available to all co-workers regardless of tenure, according to the release.

RELATED: IKEA construction progresses in Columbus

IKEA opened its first location in Ohio back in 2008 in West Chester Twp. Now, the furniture retailer is working on opening its second Ohio location in Columbus. The new Ikea property is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Columbus.

The company has locations in 48 countries, and has 42 in the U.S.

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