Co-worker stories - Arun Issar

I joined IKEA in the United Kingdom as the Accounting Manager in the year 2000. It was my first proper job, and I worked hard and had fun for six great years. But then I decided to leave for a job that paid more, thinking I would see how the ‘real’ world worked. I quickly realised that I missed IKEA. It came down to three things. Products: IKEA has great products, and everyone has a story about their IKEA experience. Philosophy: very few companies live, breathe and stand behind their values as IKEA does. People: at all levels of the organisation, from the top down, there are role models who are genuine and inspirational.

I jumped at the chance to re-join IKEA in 2014, working for the Finance team here in Southeast Asia. When I walked through the doors on my first day back, I felt like I was back at home.

No day is the same. That’s what I love. We operate in three countries - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand - and there is always something to do. Whilst covering the normal daily assignments, we also look at how we can develop, improve and future-proof the way we work to support the business as it executes an exciting expansion plan.

It’s all about the Team and how we can engage with each other in a smarter, unified and cohesive way. Seeing how people have stretched themselves and had the confidence to actually make decisions based on the courage of their own convictions is hugely rewarding and satisfying. It provides a great platform from where we can launch our growth agenda and empowers us to feel that we can all make a difference.

The way we work is not for everyone, but I have always felt that I have been allowed to be myself. You are encouraged to be an individual. We can challenge the status quo and are trusted to make decisions. That creates an environment where you feel you can make an impact.

If you showed aptitude, an appetite to work hard and ability to get things done, then you will get noticed. We are a lean organisation and constantly on a journey to find the talent that can take us to the next level. So, when the opportunity arises, there is every chance of progression and development not only within Southeast Asia but anywhere within the IKEA world.