«Co-workers who feel equally treated and respected are more creative, can contribute their ideas and add a valuable voice to the team and the business.»
Jessica Anderen, CEO & CSO IKEA Switzerland
Interview with JESSICA ANDEREN
«Stronger when equal»: We are all stronger, when equal. What does this mean for you personally?
To feel equal for me means to be respected. Especially as a mother of two children, equality empowers me to grow and pursue my career without any limitations. I was lucky enough to work for a company that provides this environment and gave me the chance to grow during my 33 years of working at IKEA, always respecting and taking into account my personal circumstances.
To truly live up to equality in our company and to offer the same opportunity to all our co-workers is a very important task for me as a CEO. At IKEA Switzerland, we have a very balanced gender ratio, which is important to us. We also live the job-sharing option up to top management level. Only when equality is lived can all employees contribute, feel secure and be perceived as individuals with different ideas and needs.
What advice about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace would you have liked to have as a young CEO?
You can never be brave enough to address inequalities. And: make it a priority within your job to build trust and encourage all our co-workers to do so.
«It takes courage to address inequalities. And I believe that leaders should be the first ones to address them and put them on the business agenda, and then also take the responsibility to empower others to do the same.»
How should we raise our children in order to get to gender equality faster? How would you advise young people who want to have a career and a family?
The self-understanding of equality should already start at home and at school, by making kids experience equality as something natural.
At the same time, I think that we can look up to the younger generations when seeing how openly they are addressing inequalities and how firmly they stand in for their values. I see it with my kids too and I am super proud and learn from them every day.
10 years Advance, engaging for a gender equal workplace. What is your wish for progress in gender balance in the next 10 years? And how do you see the role of leaders on this journey?
It takes courage to address inequalities. And I believe that leaders should be the first ones to address them and put them on the business agenda, and then also take the responsibility to empower others to do the same.
In 10 years’ time we will hopefully look back and see as many daughters as sons having the same opportunities during their career thanks to an equal support system in our society.
ikea HAS CHOSEN THE «ADVANCINE» by URSINA GABRIELA ROESCH «sich selber schreiben» («Writing oneself»)
Partner companies of the exhibition could choose an «Advancine» as part of their sponsorship, which will continue to inspire employees, managers and customers alike after the exhibition at the company headquarters.
Discover the artwork «sich selber schreiben» by Ursina Gabriela Roesch!
in discussion with ikea
How is Gender Diversity connected with the business success of your company?
Co-workers who feel equal and respected are more creative, can contribute their ideas and add a valuable voice to the team and the business. Respectful interaction and flat hierarchies are a prerequisite for this.
However, equality and diversity in the teams is also important for IKEA’s success – after all, it is the only way to ensure that customers are optimally represented. IKEA’s mission is to create a better everyday life for the many people. To do this, the company must of course be concerned with people’s lives and with their needs at home. Interest in people and social values are therefore prerequisites for IKEA’s success.
what are your three most successful initiatives and measures to balance the gender representation in management?
Part of the strategy
Gender balance has been part of IKEA’s employee strategy for many years, across all job levels, positions and departments. This is something that is consciously evaluated and considered as a relevant element in everyday work. At IKEA, this equal approach is also lived in management – female CEO’s have been leading the company in Switzerland for 10 years in a row now. The management has a 50/50 share of women and men.
Founding member of Advance
IKEA Switzerland is actively involved and is one of the founding members of Advance. Since 2013, IKEA has been working with Advance to publicly promote gender equality and through that also anchors its importance among its own employees.
«Champions of Change»
In January 2023, IKEA Switzerland launched the «Champions of Change» project. Together with Plan International, a non-profit organization that promotes children’s rights and gender equality around the world, IKEA’s apprentices are encouraged to develop their self-confidence, strengthen their leadership skills and learn to be Champions of Gender Equality.
Why did ikea choose THE artwork «SICH SELBER SCHREIBEN»? What are the messages that ikea would like to convey to their co-workers and beyond?
Ursina Gabriela Roesch succeeds in packing words into a visual realization. The artworks are therefore very impressive and thought-provoking. Her work appears rebellious and vulnerable at the same time, inspiring action.
This fits IKEA, its restless creativity and way of publicly standing up for its values. IKEA is proud to participate in this Exhibition initiated by Advance with an artist who gives her artwork a voice that wants to be heard and has an impact where it is needed.
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