Job Title: Store Manager
Location: LA market, California
Submitted on: 11-Mar-03
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Is It Worth It?
Yes, but not only in the ways you may think of first! So let me share
what I've
learned.
First, a good working environment is a priceless thing! Second, even
though I
had nicer offices, as well as great stock options, in each of the two
organizations I voluntarily left over my first 21 years of employment, I
now
know
that you can't buy loyalty--it's based on a belief in shared values.
Third, you
don't always get the RIGHT opportunity for yourself, immediately--you
must have
faith and be ready to recognize it and receive it when it comes! And,
fourth
and
finally, you can never get to your RIGHT opportunity, if you don't learn
as much
as you can in your current one. But enough philosophy...on to the facts!
The salary and bonus package is as one would expect for a leader of a $54
million store within a multinational organization. There is a potential
for
bonus at ALL levels of the organization, payable each Tertial (4-month
period),
and another opportunity for managers which is dependent upon the economic
conditions and a store's results. There is a matched 401K and pension
plan.
And,
at IKEA, succession planning is a must.
There are no stock options, but there is a tremendous sense of job
security,
given that cost-consciousness is basic to the organization. (Rumor has
it that
the company's founder, who appears regularly on the Forbes Billionaire
List,
still shares a room with his son when he travels and washes his clothes
in the
bathtub.)
At my current level, as well as the level for which I originally hired,
it is
not uncommon to start with 4 weeks vacation, personal days and, also, the
regular
paid holidays. Added bonuses are a 15% purchase discount, tuition
reimbursement, paid personal development sessions, health benefits
immediately,
and an excellent relocation package.
But the beauty of all this is that these great benefits are not limited
to those
at my level. In fact, our cashiers and every other front-line coworker
get at
least 3 weeks vacation upon starting, holidays and personal days, as
well as the
other education, 401K and health benefits! Once a year, coworkers can
bring
their family and friends for a discount night with up to 40% off of
prices!
One very tangible benefit of working in an IKEA store...really good food!
The
best thing about an IKEA store is that the coworkers can eat breakfast
fr $1.95
and lunch and dinner for $2.00. Or a hotdog for 65 cents or a hotdog
and coke
for $1.00. In fact, I heard that IKEA restaurants are in the top 10 of
all
restaurants world wide in terms of volume.
There are a few intangibles, also. International travel for work may be
2-3
times annually. There are many transfer opportunities to different
countries, as
well as different jobs! But best of all for me, I get a chance to use
both
Spanish and English at work and I get a chance to practice my Italian
and French
lessons!
So, if you are tired of suits, and the lack of scruples throughout the
corporate
world, come to IKEA--work really can be based on good values!No matter
where you
are, go to wwww.ikea.com and see why millions of people--customers and
coworkers--the world over love IKEA!
p.s. By the way, did I mention that the U.S. HR Responsible who
interviewed me
is now the President or Country Manager, as she prefers to be called?
How often
does that happen at most companies
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