The ability to do the job is always the starting point. But beyond that, we look for personal qualities such as a strong desire to learn, the motivation to continually do things better, a straight-forward approach and common sense, the ability to lead by example, efficiency and cost consciousness. These values are important to us.
a corporate culture based on shared values
At IKEA, we don't just want to fill vacant jobs, we want to partner with people. We want to recruit unique individuals who share our values. Co-workers are not so restricted at IKEA; we listen and support each individual to identify his or her needs, ambitions and capabilities. Here are a few examples of our shared values:
- Togetherness
- Cost consciousness
- Respect
- Simplicity
Småland, the origin of IKEA's values
Småland, in the south of Sweden, where company founder Ingvar Kamprad was born and raised, is the source of our shared values. Simplicity, humility, thrift and responsibility are all evident in the lifestyle, attitudes and customs of the place where IKEA began. An example of the Smålanders' way of doing things is not to ask others what you should be doing, but asking yourself and then getting on with it. You can take IKEA out of Småland, but you can't take Småland out of IKEA!
It was among the small, hardworking communities of Småland that Ingvar Kamprad started his first mail order company at the age of 17, and registered the name IKEA. Ten years later, the first IKEA showroom was opened in nearby Älmhult. Fifty years on, Älmhult is still at the heart of our enterprise. Amazing as it may seem, from this tiny dot on the map, we continue to develop solutions that will influence the future of millions.
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