Over 82% of employees ready to return to office full-time in Romania

A new survey by Genesis Property reveals that more than 82% of employees in Romania would be willing to return to the office full-time if their employer required it. While some admit it may be challenging to give up remote work, most respondents say they could quickly adapt. The study, which surveyed 1,168 employees across the country, highlights that a better separation between work and personal life (45%) and increased interaction with colleagues (53%) are the top factors encouraging a return to the office.

Despite the widespread adoption of remote work during the pandemic, fewer than 18% of employees would consider resigning or seeking a remote or hybrid job if their employer mandated daily office attendance.

“We have seen a noticeable shift toward pre-pandemic work routines since the start of the year. Employees are returning to more modern and amenity-rich office spaces that support collaboration and a stronger sense of community,” said Marcela Stancu, Community Director at Genesis Property.

However, the survey also highlighted that changes in office environments have been inconsistent. While 60% of employees reported no significant changes to their office space over the past four years, 11% said their office has become smaller, and nearly 8% feel they now have fewer amenities. Additionally, 27% find their current office too small for their team’s needs, and 33% reported inadequate facilities.

Genesis Property’s YUNITY Park project is an example of how office spaces can be transformed to meet the evolving demands of employees. The project includes an outdoor amphitheater with a 1,500-person capacity, pedestrian walkways, water features, and creative meeting spaces designed to enhance the office experience. The second phase of the project, completed last year, followed a EUR 20 million investment.

The survey, conducted via the iVox platform in July-August 2024, offers insight into the changing workplace preferences of Romanian employees. Of the respondents, 49% were women, and 42% reported a net income of over 5,000 lei.

As companies adapt to post-pandemic work trends, the survey indicates that employees are open to returning to the office, provided the spaces offer a modern, collaborative, and engaging environment.