How to Use the IKEA Effect to Boost Engagement at the Workplace

 The IKEA Effect, named after the Swedish furniture retailer, highlights how people tend to place higher value on things they create or assemble themselves. In a 2012 study by Michael Norton and colleagues, this effect was defined as an “increase in valuation of self-made products.” People naturally feel a sense of pride and ownership in something they’ve contributed to, making them more invested in it.

This principle isn’t limited to furniture—it can be a powerful tool in the workplace, especially for improving engagement in training sessions, workshops, and meetings. Getting employees to voluntarily participate in workplace activities, especially optional training, can be a challenge. Often, training professionals set the agenda and structure for workshops without involving the attendees, resulting in lower interest and engagement. Applying the IKEA effect, however, can change that.

How to Trigger the IKEA Effect in the Workplace

To leverage the IKEA Effect, involve employees in the design process of any workplace activity or event they’re expected to participate in. Here are two simple yet effective ways to do this:

1.       Send a Survey

Before your workshop or training session, distribute a survey to the participants, asking for their input on what they’d like to learn or what questions they hope will be answered. By inviting them to shape the content, you make them co-creators of the session. This involvement doesn’t just create a sense of ownership; it ensures that the session will address real needs and interests, making it more relevant and valuable to the participants.

2.       Share and Respond

Once you’ve collected the responses, compile a list of questions or topics suggested by participants and circulate it before the session. Encourage employees to share their initial thoughts or responses to these questions. This pre-session engagement not only triggers the IKEA effect by involving them in the preparation, but it also creates a collaborative atmosphere and primes participants for active engagement during the session.

Why This Works?

The IKEA Effect suggests that when people feel they’ve contributed to a project, they value it more. This sense of ownership can be particularly effective in improving voluntary participation. When employees help design the agenda for a session, they’re less likely to skip it—they helped build it, after all! This approach can also make employees feel respected and valued, knowing their voices are an integral part of shaping the experience.

Applying the IKEA Effect Beyond Workshops

The IKEA Effect can apply to many other aspects of work. Consider involving employees in setting team goals, designing project plans, or brainstorming solutions. The more employees feel they’ve had a hand in creating something, the more likely they are to be invested in its success.

Embrace the Power of Co-Creation

Just as assembling an IKEA desk can give us a sense of satisfaction, involving employees in the creation process can foster a deeper connection to their work. By making small adjustments to include employees in the planning stages, you can build a more engaged, motivated, and committed workforce. After all, who wouldn’t want to attend a session they helped design?