Embracing Change in the Current Business Services Industry
3rd October
ABSL invites the local and regional business services community to a new edition of Brasov Business Mixer. The event aims to facilitate best practice sharing between local companies, help participants in finding solutions and embracing future changes, acknowledge challenges and opportunities ahead.
The business services landscape is constantly evolving, propelled by technological advancements, market dynamics, and shifting customer expectations. Adapting to these changes is crucial for staying competitive. Recently, new challenges have emerged, including the rise of Generative AI, transformations in organizational culture, and recent fiscal policy changes.
Join us and our experts in discussing key topics for the local community, including tax legislation, trends in labour market, employee wellbeing, and workspace. Engage in interactive sessions focused on sharing insights and tackling current challenges.
The event also provides a platform for interactive sessions, networking and collaboration with industry professionals and is open to everyone in the business services sector.
Attendance is free of charge, and there is no limit on the number of participants from each company. The only exception is the HR session where only company leaders and HR directors can participate (maximum 2 participants/ company), in order to facilitate knowledge sharing and the involvement of all those present.
If you represent a local ABSL member company/ office, you may be part of the event by presenting a study case on relevant themes in the fields of HR, Technology or Business. You are invited to share with the audience practical examples, successful stories, presentations of what works or not, regarding current interests.
- 9:00 – 9:30
Welcome coffee
- 9:30 – 9:40
Introductory Speech
Welcome from the event moderator
- 9:40 – 10:00
- Horia Dan
- Vlad Lascut
- PwC
Global Business Services Sector – Evolutions in 2024 and Perspectives for Next Year
We are exploring the developments and challenges of the business services sector in Romania during this year, with the main focus on the development of labour market, as well as the economic and regulatory environment in our country. We will also be looking at how the global trends will impact business models, people, processes, technology, and data.
- 10:00 – 10:20
- Madalina Marinescu
- iO Partners
AI-Powered Offices: Real Estate Revolution or Evolution?
AI-Powered Offices in the context of whether it’s a real estate revolution or evolution can be framed in terms of the transformative impact AI has on modern office spaces and the real estate industry. This presentation delves into how AI is revolutionizing the way offices are designed, managed, and utilized, leading to smarter, more efficient, and adaptable workspaces. Attendees will gain insights into AI-driven innovations such as smart building systems, predictive maintenance, personalized tenant experiences, and market analysis tools that are reshaping the future of office real estate. The session will also address the challenges, ethical considerations, and future trends associated with integrating AI into the office environment.
- 10:20 – 10:40
- Cătălin Micu
- Zamfirescu Racoți Vasile & Partners
Employment in 2025: Balancing Economic Pressures and Legal Boundaries
The remainder of 2024 and, more significantly, 2025 will likely present substantial challenges for HR teams. The interplay between economic pressures and emerging legal and tax regulations will have a significant impact on employment relationships. In this context, flexibility will be essential.
- 10:40 – 11:00
- Elena Ardelean
- Steelcase
Joy at Work – Creating Workplaces that Focus on People’s Wellbeing
The organizations can make a difference by focusing on what people actually need to feel well at work. With a focus on employee wellbeing, employees can actually find joy in the workplace.
- 11:00 – 11:20
- Georgeta Savu
- Regina Maria
Building an Organizational Culture of Emotional Support (to be held in Romanian)
In times of constant change, it’s tough on all of us. As leaders, managers, or HR specialists, we’ve got to handle not just our own stress, but also support our teams through it. We’ll explore the emotional toll of change, learn to identify when employees are struggling emotionally, and most importantly, understand why prioritizing your own wellbeing is essential for effectively supporting others.
- 11:20 – 11:35
- Alina Sava
- Alice Lelcu
- Accenture
How We Build the Accenture Company Culture and Focus on Community Impact
In the everchanging business world, Accenture keeps a global focus on Inclusion and Diversity, building a strong company culture and bringing a solid impact to the communities we live in. This presentation shares an overview of some of the key programs that exemplify their dedication to these values.
- 11:35 – 12:00
Coffee break
- 12:00 – 14:00
HR Round table: Evolving Dynamics in HR Landscape (Closed Session)
The current workplace is characterized by rapid technological advancements, globalization, demographic shifts, and evolving employee expectations. Remote work, flexible arrangements, and the gig economy have altered traditional notions of employment. Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have gained prominence, reflecting a more inclusive organizational culture. These changes necessitate a recalibration of HR strategies to accommodate diverse workforce needs and preferences.
Companies operate in a landscape characterized by constant flux, driven by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and societal changes. Yet, alongside opportunities, these changes bring forth challenges and uncertainties that can derail even the most well-established organizations.
What are the triggers for HR departments and how do you keep up with the evolving dynamics? How did your company adapt to the latest legislative fiscal changes? What are the current recruitment challenges? How do you adopt and integrate generative AI tools in HR processes? What are latest trends in the talent market? Continuous learning culture & organizational agility: what are the present learning priorities? Return to the office – what is the status, and how are the companies adapting to the new working space?
These are the questions proposed for this round table where HR representatives from Brasov companies will discuss their concerns, share solutions and good practices on what was done in the past, what challenges did they face and how they see the future of work.
Companies could be represented at this event by HR professionals or company leaders (max. 2 representatives per company). This is a closed session dedicated to companies from business services industry.
- 12:00 – 14:00
Workshop: Adjusting to Evolving Realities in the Local Business Service Sector
Change serves as a fundamental and unavoidable element in fostering organizational development and prosperity. The benefits range from the integration of cutting-edge technology to shifts in organizational culture and the facilitation of mergers and acquisitions. By embracing change, organizations cultivate an environment where innovation is embraced, actively pursuing opportunities to refine and elevate their operations, products, and services, thereby ensuring they maintain a leading edge within the industry.
But driving change successfully can be one of the more difficult aspects of a company. What can we do to reach this goal and adjust to an evolving environment? What are the current changes in technology, business, and HR that your company is facing? Where do the biggest challenges come from? How can we address nowadays challenges and opportunities in order to build a reliable future?
These are the questions proposed for this workshop where representatives from Brasov companies are invited to share their perspectives.
- 14:00 – 15:00
Lunch & Networking
