Building your career at IKEA

Three IKEA co-workers in yellow uniforms in the sofa area, reviewing layout and signage with a clipboard and notes.

Explore the many ways to work and grow as an IKEA co-worker and be encouraged to build a unique career. Because when you grow, IKEA grows too.

What we think of as a career

Orange graphic comparing a single ladder career with a grid of multi-directional arrows, illustrating diverse IKEA career paths.

Many people think that careers follow a vertical path like the image on the left, where you build your career with one promotion after another. An IKEA career path is shaped more like a jungle gym ― you have many opportunities to move in any direction.
As an IKEA co-worker, you don't simply climb a career ladder; you can change work areas, become a leader or a specialist or change your work hours to balance your work and life. Everyone can build their own unique career path with IKEA.

Open IKEA

At IKEA, we believe in "Designing your career yourself". Instead of a transfer being ordered by the company, co-workers choose their next challenge based on their life-stage and motivation, including transfers and promotion to a leader position. Co-workers can apply for all kinds of positions, not just in Japan, but around the world.

What do our co-workers say about Open IKEA?

IKEA co-worker in blue striped uniform and safety vest holding a handheld device and papers in the warehouse area.

Name: Yukiko
Store: IKEA Tokyo-Bay
Work area: Logistics team leader

'I was a part-time co-worker on a permanent contract and have worked with the Checkout team of Customer Relations for 13 years. Open IKEA posted an opening for a team leader right after my children graduated school. "It's a great opportunity", my family told me after talking it over with them. With their support and encouragement, I decided to give it my best shot'.

Learning at IKEA

IKEA believes that all co-workers have the ability to develop their own talents. When co-workers feel eager to grow, it means that IKEA grows too. That is why IKEA supports co-workers with many opportunities and tools to learn new skills and reach their goals.

IKEAストアの売場で、黄色いユニフォームのコワーカーがクリップボードと書類を持ち、同僚と確認作業をしている。

Extensive onboarding

After joining IKEA, the first 6 months is the probation period. New co-workers will learn about working at IKEA from other co-workers, their buddy and their manager. You are able to learn and grow as well during this period.

Group of IKEA co-workers meeting on sofas in a lounge area, discussing with a laptop open.

Leadership training

IKEA believes that everyone is a leader. We have many leadership training opportunities on offer, so everyone can develop their leadership ― regardless of their job title.

IKEA co-worker in yellow uniform working at a service counter computer in the store.

Internal learning platform; 'My learning'

My learning is a dedicated learning platform for IKEA co-workers where you can learn more about IKEA, its culture and its values. You can also acquire knowledge and skills that you will need for your role.

IKEA co-worker in blue striped uniform at a desk, supporting a customer in the store.

External learning tools

Grow your talents with free access to tools from external companies like 'LinkedIn Learning' (an online tool for learning business skills).