Leadership based on values
Virginia Garrido emphasized that IKEA does not recruit by competencies, but by values. "When I came to IKEA, I fell in love with the culture," she said. This approach is based on the idea that everyone has talent and can grow. Inspired by its founder's vision, IKEA's purpose is to create a better everyday life for most people. Beyond designing affordable furniture, they seek to impact quality of life by democratizing sustainable and functional design .
Leadership at IKEA is based on closeness and simplicity: a good leader not only makes decisions, but listens to his team, encourages work teamwork and leads by example, reflecting the Philosophy of the business: "a good leader always asks questions".
Diversity, inclusion and belonging
Elena Lopez elaborated on IKEA's equality and diversity policies, highlighting its commitment to a pay gap of only 0.4% between men and women. In Elena's words: "statements are nice, but you have to prove them" and this indicator is clear evidence of IKEA's consistency between what it claims and what it does. In addition, IKEA has a protocol to support women victims of gender-based violence, including attendance economic and psychological support, as well as policies to promote inclusion and achieve highly competitive teams.
In its project with refugees, IKEA has demonstrated a transformative approach , investing more than €230,000 in training and internship programs. This plan not only offers job opportunities, but also fosters social integration through activities such as language practice meetings and building support networks. The latter is very much in line with its Philosophy and the vision of its founder.
A sustainable business
At IKEA, being a good business means doing things right for people and the planet. In fact, part of their strategy is to reduce prices while strengthening and maintaining their social and environmental impact. Their four strategic focuses - homes, life, planet and company - guide their commitment to sustainable development .
In addition, IKEA promotes a simple, cost-conscious spirit, reflecting its values of constant renewal and continuous improvement. This approach also extends to people: "taking care of people and the planet is essential; without one, nothing works".
Living culture and 360° strategy
Keeping the culture alive at IKEA requires daily actions, such as some of the campaigns that celebrate diversity, awareness and inclusion. These initiatives not only enrich the work environment, but also strengthen IKEA's mission statement as a place where everyone feels at home.
The talk concluded by highlighting how IKEA transcends its commercial purpose to lead by example by living its values every day, demonstrating that a sustainable and humane business is not only possible, but essential for long-term success.
