To mark UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, five Ingka Group co-workers across its retail operations, from Portugal to the Netherlands and China shared their experiences, why inclusion matters and why accessibility is essential. Their reflections help Ingka Group listen, learn and continue improving on its journey to be disability inclusive.
“At Ingka Group, we believe every co-worker is a talent and we want every co-worker to feel they can be their full selves at work. These stories from our colleagues around the world, remind us that disability is part of the human experience, visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, and that inclusion is something we build together every day,” says Buks Akinseye, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Ingka Group.
“We are on the way and continue to take steps to strengthen accessibility and disability inclusion. This includes developing and piloting global accessibility standards in our workplaces, offering workplace adjustments so people can work at their best, and working with organisations such as the Valuable 500 and the Business Disability Forum to further strengthen our approach. We are also improving customer experiences and embedding accessibility into our digital and product range across markets. Our journey continues, and we remain committed to creating a better everyday life that includes everyone,” he adds.
Monique in the Netherlands, rebuilding her life after a brain haemorrhage; Madalena in Portugal, challenging assumptions about blindness in the workplace; Liu in China, thriving with hearing loss thanks to redesigned workflows. Their stories reflect Ingka Group’s belief that every co-worker is a talent and the company’s ambition to create a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Monique, Sales Co-worker, IKEA Netherlands
After a brain haemorrhage paralysed my right side, I spent two years in rehabilitation before returning to IKEA. My old role had physical demands I could no longer meet, and I became more sensitive to noise and stimuli. My colleagues, with the best intentions, tried to protect me by taking over my tasks. They were afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle them.
I appreciated their support, but I also wanted the chance to discover my own limits and strengths again. Once we started having those conversations, everything changed. My team learned when to step in and when to not, and their support is everything. Some days are tough, but my willpower is tougher.
Liu, Fulfilment Operations Co-worker, IKEA China
Living with hearing loss, communication used to be a barrier in other workplaces. Losing my hearing gradually from childhood meant adapting constantly, and it shaped how I understood myself and what I thought I could do. Joining IKEA in 2024 was a turning point, because my team welcomed me warmly and made sure I never faced tasks or communication alone. Having a buddy to guide me, a manager who checked in, and colleagues who cared gave me confidence I hadn’t felt in other workplaces.
At IKEA, my team redesigned walkways, created a digital handover tool and made sure I always felt included. The redesigned walkways and the digital handover tool weren’t just practical solutions; they showed me that accessibility was taken seriously. Over time, I grew more independent, took on new responsibilities, earned my forklift licence, and even began helping customers at the pickup counter. I worried people thought I couldn’t handle the job, but with the right support and tools, I’m as capable as everybody else.
Sherry, Resolutions Generalist, IKEA China
After facing discrimination in past jobs due to scoliosis and chronic pain, joining IKEA changed everything, from accessible facilities to a caring team that believed in me. I grew up in the countryside, and after a serious fall as a child, the long-term pain and visible impact on my posture affected how people treated me in previous workplaces. One manager even stopped me from meeting customers because of how I looked, and that broke my spirit.
But at IKEA, from my very first interview, I felt respect and fairness, no assumptions, just care. On day one, I noticed barrier-free restrooms, adjustable desks, and a team that truly supported me. My buddy checked in, my manager cared, and I began to thrive. Today, my productivity matches my colleagues’, customers praise my work and speaking on stage at our annual kick-off for the new financial year, filled me with pride. To anyone facing struggles: don’t give up. Keep a positive mindset, and you’ll find your path.
Florence, Product Specialist, IKEA France
I’m passionate about disability inclusion. In 2012–2013, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and later, autism. It was a difficult period, and I took nearly a year of sick leave to focus on my health. When I was ready to return, IKEA supported my transition into a role that better suited my needs. Today, I work mostly remotely, thanks to flexible arrangements and a caring team.
Living with invisible conditions can be challenging. People don’t always understand what they can’t see, and assumptions can quickly take hold. That is why I advocate for more awareness around neurodivergence and accessibility. I’ve heard comments suggesting that people with disabilities are less productive or receive unfair advantages and we need to challenge that thinking. Try to let go of the idea that people with disabilities are less productive or need help with everything. Let’s all uphold values of compassion, whether with colleagues or customers.
Related links:
- Better lives | Ingka Group – People are at the heart of everything we do. From gender equal pay to inclusive workplaces. We want to take a leading role in creating a fairer and more equal society and to improve the lives of the millions of people that interact with, or are impacted by, our company.
*World Health Organization – World Health Organization
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.