Discover How Values-First Hiring Transforms IKEA's Recruitment Strategy

Why Values-First Hiring Is Revolutionizing Recruitment

In an era where job seekers are increasingly looking at company culture and values, IKEA’s innovative values-first hiring approach stands out as a refreshing model for employers and candidates alike. Tugba Åkesson, Vice President and Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Ingka Group (IKEA), emphasizes that recruiting is about preserving a company’s DNA, not just filling positions.

A Foundation Built on Core Values

IKEA's commitment to values is rooted in its history, shaped during a time of hardship in Sweden, leading to a culture of resilience and togetherness. Tugba explains that recruitment starts with a focus on values alignment, which ensures new hires not only fit into the existing culture but enhance it. This commitment leads to greater team engagement and higher retention rates, proving valuable not just for IKEA, but for their customers as well.

Blending Technology with Personal Touch

Interestingly, while many companies rush to automate recruitment processes using AI, IKEA takes a balanced approach. Tugba acknowledges the role of technology in facilitating values-based pre-screening but insists on human-led interviews to maintain the essence of the IKEA experience. This method not only speeds up hiring processes but also ensures that candidates resonate with the company's culture, allowing them to envision a fulfilling workplace.

The Recruiter: A Cultural Guardian

At IKEA, recruiters wear multiple hats; they are not merely talent finders but trusted guardians of the company’s culture. To do this effectively, recruiters undergo cultural immersion experiences in Älmhult, Sweden, where they engage in activities rooted in IKEA's founding principles. Such immersive experiences enable recruiters to authentically relay the essence of the IKEA culture in interviews, making the hiring process both meaningful and memorable.

Scaling Values Across Diverse Markets

With a workforce expansion of 51,000 hires annually across 31 markets, maintaining a cohesive values-driven hiring approach presents challenges. However, Tugba emphasizes that leveraging technology can streamline processes while ensuring inclusivity and fairness. Recent efforts at values assessment tools have led to successful placements that may have otherwise been overlooked due to traditional hiring biases, exemplifying IKEA's commitment to finding potential in every candidate.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Job

For Tugba Åkesson, IKEA stands as a beacon of workplaces where individuals not only enhance their skills but also find a sense of belonging. By prioritizing values in recruitment, IKEA demonstrates that a strong culture is integral to both employee satisfaction and business success. As Tugba poignantly states, “If you’re happy in a place, you will perform better, understand better, and contribute better.” This mantra resonates in the modern workforce and is a crucial takeaway for companies looking to thrive in today’s competitive job market.