WeWork initiative seeks to put more refugees to work
WeWork, the ambitious office-sharing company that has expanded into nearly 60 cities and into brand extensions like communal housing and a private elementary school, has a new ambition: Over the next five years, the New York-based co-working space-turned-lifestyle brand plans to hire 1,500 refugees globally as it seeks to fill jobs in its rapidly growing business.
The initiative, which follows an announcement that it plans to hire a similar number of veterans, is in step with other high-profile efforts by companies to hire refugees.
After President Donald Trump announced his travel ban executive order in January, then-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said the coffee behemoth planned to hire 10,000 refugees in 75 countries over the next five years, a move that drew cheers and criticism on social media, including calls for a boycott by some.
During last year’s election, Chobani was the target of politicized attacks for hiring refugees in its factories — but the move also drew applause from many others after headlines about CEO Hamdi Ulukaya’s advocacy.
WeWork CEO Adam Neumann, who moved to the United States in 2002 and served in the Israeli army, said the move is “not a political statement.” Rather, he said in an interview, it was launched out of a grassroots effort and a desire to take an active role in solving a bigger problem.
A pilot program initiated by an employee, Fatima Duran, led to partnerships with organizations that resettled refugees, such as the International Rescue Committee, and the hiring of 50 refugees in positions known as “community service associates.”
Their responsibilities range from daytime straightening and restocking of WeWork’s facilities — known for their beer taps, inspirational mottoes and hipster vibe — to basic equipment support for members.
The refugee initiative is one way the company — which has been reported to have a valuation of $20 billion, placing it among the largest technology startups — is aiming to fill jobs amid rapid growth.