211,000 heads are 210,999 times better than 1.
where anyone can chip in an idea or bring their unique talent or experience to work. And there's so much more to how we do it. We look out for each other, sit down as co-workers to see how we could improve our time together. We don't just settle for the way things are. We question them, and even rebel against them for the better. So we're always looking for people who think differently.
Take a minute, chat, figure things out together.
Does that work for you?
You can get a lot done over a simple cup of coffee, a chat in the aisle or other quick get-togethers.
Keeping things simple is also our favourite way to work. Complicated solutions can often be expensive or time-consuming, and IKEA was born in the rugged Swedish countryside where a down-to-earth, common-sense attitude became part of our culture.
*Fika is a slang of ‘kaffi’,an old Swedish word for coffee.
All across Sweden for centuries, and at IKEA locations worldwide for over 70 years, Fika has been a traditional time everyday to take a break and talk. Grab a Fika together and see what happens.
That’s why you’re on first-name terms with everyone else, dress is casual, you share open offices, and you’re free to talk with any co-worker no matter your role or their title. And you can always sit down for a ‘Fika’ together – a traditional Swedish coffee break in the day where you pause, reflect and reconnect. You’ll find it’s also a chance to get things done quickly and simply – without booking a conference room, drawing up an agenda or creating a slide presentation. Why not just get together with co-workers and figure things out?
Talk it over. Come up with ideas. Write that down. Ask why – and why not?!
You’ll see this same unfussy informality in our approach at every IKEA location worldwide. You’re encouraged to find simple ways to do everything. Why spend hours writing a long report or schedule another meeting when you can put your heads together and talk for ten minutes? You’ll find a lot of problem-solving happens during impromptu moments. Sharing a coffee – or tea or juice, your beverage doesn’t matter – but talking face to face does. It helps you build trust and avoid confusion and bureaucracy. Why over-complicate things? Spend a few minutes together, say what you have to say. And listen. Talk it over. Come up with ideas. Write them down. Ask why – and why not?! Pick each other’s brain. Exchange ideas. Make plans. Make them happen. Invite someone new into the conversation. Share stories about recent trips or discoveries. Get an update on that meeting you missed while you were away. Explain in person what you were trying to say in your very long email. Work out concerns. Broaden your point of view – learn something new from someone who’s different to you. Reconnect. Then, go back to work feeling more relaxed. Ready to tackle your next project. Or turn around and chat with another co-worker and solve something else.
Does that sound like the way you like to get things done? Great! Want to work together?
Everybody’s different. That’s what we all have in common.
You’re welcome. You can feel it. You know it when you see it. Words are important, but what works is what matters most. It’s common courtesy and common sense. When you feel free to be yourself – and everyone you work with does too – we come up with better ideas and solutions together than we ever could alone. It’s proof that embracing what’s different about each of us works for all of us, and helps us keep growing.
Did you know that?
Or this?
Got 30 seconds? Click here for a few fast facts, figures and fun bits about IKEA people, products and places you’ll find us. Get to know us better as you learn a little IKEA trivia.
>> Fact about IKEA
What’s it like being an IKEA co-worker?
The IKEA family of co-workers currently numbers over 200,000. When asked what they value most, they usually say the IKEA culture and the friendly workplace that it offers. And being part of a team that’s doing good things together.
Our shared values and culture is a large part of what makes IKEA unique, both as a brand and a workplace. Visit any IKEA unit anywhere in the world and you’ll find co-workers putting their shared IKEA values into practice.
>> Read about the IKEA vision and values
Why work with us? Because a job with us is so much more than a job.
Come work with us and you’ll be part of a team that values you for who you are. A huge, welcoming team working to make a positive impact on millions of people around the world. And where we all grow together.
A place where everyone plays their part
The contribution of every single IKEA co-worker is valued. When the going gets tough, we “kraftsamlar”. That’s the Swedish word for pulling together. We don’t care about titles or status. At IKEA, everyone is known by their first name and is encouraged to speak up.
We want you to take a job you don’t know how to do
At IKEA, your qualifications and experience won’t limit what you can achieve. If you take the lead, we’ll give you all the training and support you need to take your career in any direction you like. Globally speaking, 88% of IKEA managers have been promoted from within.
We’re all-in on equality, diversity and inclusion
For us it’s a no-brainer. A diverse, inclusive and gender-equal workplace is a better workplace. We now have a 50/50 gender balance in our management positions and are working towards making this a reality throughout our business by 2022.
>> Read how IKEA is working to become a more inclusive workplace
Making a positive impact
Make millions of people look forward to coming home We believe that everyone has the right to a beautiful home that makes their lives easier. And that good design is for everyone, not just the rich. So, when you work with us, you’re actually working for all kinds of people all over the world.
Caring for the planet by doing more with less
Last year, our co-workers helped save and repurpose 39 million returned, damaged and discontinued products, giving them a second life. It’s just one example of how we’re addressing sustainability at IKEA, to prevent product waste and become fully circular by 2030.
>> Find out more of our process in sustainability
We’re looking for people who think a lamp should play music
Rules are made to be broken, right? After all, we didn’t get where we are today by following the crowd. We believe in the power of a good idea, especially an unexpected one, which is why we make musical lamps, beds disguised as sofas and sleep aids that look suspiciously like blackout blinds.
The future is an upgraded version of today
We believe that tomorrow can always be better and that we can all play our part in improving things. All it takes is an open and curious mind and some elbow grease. We don’t know exactly where we’re going to end up, but we’re looking forward to the journey. And in a world where most things remain undone, our choices are endless.
Want to help millions of people create better lives at home?
Now more than ever, home is the most important place in the world. And we’re always looking for people who share our desire to make that place a little safer, more comfortable and more beautiful. So why not join us in improving the many people’s lives around the world?