Skip to content
Culture Apr 28, 2025

The IKEA Effect and Hiring: Why We Love the People We Build With

Discover how investing in the growth of your employees can build stronger, more loyal teams through the principles of the IKEA Effect.

Spoiler: It’s not just about potential—it’s about the pride of investing in someone. 

 

Ever spent three hours assembling a piece of IKEA furniture, only to step back, admire it… and completely ignore that one missing screw? 

Congratulations—you’ve experienced The IKEA Effect. 

Coined by behavioral economists, the IKEA Effect refers to a curious human quirk: we place more value on things we've had a hand in creating, even if they’re imperfect. That slightly lopsided bookshelf? Priceless. The cake you baked from scratch? Best thing you’ve ever tasted. 

And here's the kicker: this doesn't just apply to bookshelves and baked goods. It applies to people—especially in the workplace. 

 

What the IKEA Effect Teaches Us About Hiring 

In today’s hiring culture, there’s a tendency to chase perfection. Companies are trained to look for the "perfect fit"—the most polished résumé, the most well-rehearsed interviewee, the candidate who’s already done the job three times before. 

But sometimes, the most valuable team members aren't the ones who walk in fully formed—they’re the ones who grow into the role with support, mentorship, and trust. 

Because when we invest in someone’s growth, we don’t just build their skills—we build a stronger emotional connection to their success. 

 

Why We Value Who We Help Shape 

Teams tend to feel more connected to employees they've mentored, trained, or taken a chance on. These employees become more than just colleagues—they’re a reflection of the team’s time, patience, and belief. 

This often leads to: 

  • Stronger loyalty and retention 
  • A deeper sense of shared ownership 
  • A more collaborative, human-centered culture 

Simply put: we value what we build—and that includes people. 

 

The Risk of “Plug-and-Play” Thinking 

Hiring someone with a flawless résumé and an impressive LinkedIn feed can feel like a win—but it doesn’t always guarantee success. 

Candidates who appear “pre-assembled” may: 

  • Be less open to feedback or new ways of working 
  • Struggle to integrate into a unique team culture 
  • Prioritize short-term wins over long-term growth 

That doesn’t mean experienced candidates aren’t valuable—it just means growth potential, adaptability, and shared journey matter too. 

 

From Transactional to Transformational Hiring 

When hiring is treated as a transaction—“you do the job, we pay you”—the result is often short-lived success. But when companies shift to a transformational mindset—one that emphasizes mentorship, development, and shared investment—something powerful happens: 

  • People rise beyond their résumés 
  • Teams become more connected 
  • Cultures shift from performance-driven to people-centered 

And most importantly, employees feel like they matter—because someone believed in who they could become, not just who they already were. 

 

Final Thought: Build, Don’t Just Buy 

Next time you're hiring, ask yourself: 
Are you looking for someone who arrives fully built… or someone you're excited to build with? 

Because the best teams aren’t made from perfect people—they’re made from people who grow together. 

And in that sense, a little IKEA thinking might just go a long way. 

Latest Articles

Bchex Partners with Charter Connect to Support Charter Schools
Partnership

Bchex Partners with Charter Connect to Support Charter Schools

Bchex partners with Charter Connect to enhance charter school safety and efficiency through advanced background screening and innovative en...

September 18, 2025

Leadership Lessons from Unexpected Places
leadership

Leadership Lessons from Unexpected Places

Discover unexpected leadership lessons from wolves, sitcoms, historical figures, and more to enhance adaptability, resilience, and creativi...

September 12, 2025

How to Build a Safer Team Without Slowing Down Hiring
Background Checks

How to Build a Safer Team Without Slowing Down Hiring

Learn how to streamline your hiring process without compromising on safety with these expert strategies and tools.

September 09, 2025