IKEA refers to its employees as coworkers.
This terminology is applied to the vast global workforce, encompassing more than 194,000 individuals who are instrumental in ensuring that IKEA's massive blue-and-yellow stores remain well-stocked and operate smoothly worldwide.
The Significance of "Coworkers"
The choice to use the term "coworkers" rather than "employees" is intentional and reflects IKEA's unique organizational culture. This specific nomenclature is designed to:
- Foster Equality: It promotes a sense of shared purpose and minimizes traditional hierarchical distinctions within the company.
- Emphasize Collaboration: The term highlights the importance of teamwork and collective effort, suggesting that everyone works together towards common goals.
- Encourage Shared Responsibility: By calling everyone a "coworker," IKEA reinforces the idea that all individuals are integral parts of the team and share accountability for the company's success.
This approach underscores IKEA's commitment to creating a flat organizational structure where every individual feels like a valuable and equal contributor to the company's mission.
