Navigating Change in the Current Business Services Industry
18th April 2024
The current business services landscape is always in a flux, driven by technological advances, market shifts, and changing customer preferences. Adaptation is key to staying ahead. Recently, new significant challenges appeared: from emerging Generative AI tools to shifts in organizational culture and the last fiscal changes.
Under these circumstances, ABSL invites representatives of the local and regional business services community to the upcoming Sibiu Business Mixer. This event will serve as a platform for sharing know- how and best practices on how to navigate current changes and challenges.
Our experts will delve into significant topics for 2024, including labour market trends, tax legislation updates, workspace transformations, the impact of AI, employee wellbeing, and ESG considerations. Knowledge-sharing sessions will facilitate discussions on local best practices and current challenges.
Join us to connect with industry specialists and fellow professionals. Let’s strengthen our community and foster valuable networking opportunities. The event is open to all representatives of the business services sector and is free of charge, with no participant limit per company.
Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join us for an insightful and collaborative event!
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 and Ciprian Dan, President of ABSL Board
- 9:40 – 10:00
- Horia Dan
- Vlad Lascut
- PwC
Global Business Services Sector – Challenges and Opportunities 2024
We are exploring the prospects and challenges of the business services sector in Romania, 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 Iconaru
- iO Partners
The Future of Work Decoded: Dawn of a New Age
We embark on a transformative journey into the evolving landscape of work, exploring the innovative technologies, dynamic collaboration models, and emerging trends that are reshaping our professional world. This presentation delves into the dawn of a new era, where the intersection of human potential and cutting-edge technologies paves the way for unprecedented opportunities. Discover how organizations can navigate this paradigm shift, harnessing the power of agility, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies to thrive in the dawn of the future workplace.
- 10:20 – 10:40
- Marcela Brie (Antoniu)
- Zamfirescu Racoți Vasile & Partners
Innovate, Adapt, Succeed: Addressing Employment Hurdles in 2024
Join us for an engaging session exploring the workforce dynamics of 2024. In a world of constant socio-economic shifts, employers and employees alike face unprecedented challenges. Discover the primary concerns affecting various sectors, from the fiscal implications impacting teleworkers and those in IT and construction, to the complexities of transitioning back to office settings. Dive into the impact of artificial intelligence on repetitive tasks and uncover strategic solutions for affected employees. Learn about employer-backed initiatives for professional retraining, ensuring individuals are equipped to thrive in an evolving job market. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights, strategies, and tips to navigate the ever-changing employment landscape of 2024.
- 10:40 – 11:00
- Elena Ardelean
- Iulia Galinescu
- Steelcase
Work Better – Go Back to an Enhanced Experience
People today have elevated expectations for the workplace. They need and expect a better experience than what they can get at home to capture their attention and compel them back to the office. Yet, many organizations have adopted hybrid work policies without changing their offices to support the new realities of hybrid work. A new vision for the workplace is needed.
- 11:00 – 11:20
- Adina Sîrbu
- Regina Maria
Caring for Yourself to Be There for Others (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.
- 11:25 – 11:40
- Andrei Parvu
- Stefanini
AI Applications in IT Support Services – Sophie X|Business case presented by ABSL member
Let’s find out how AI changes the landscape of IT Support Services and discover one of Stefanini’s innovative solutions that is already on the market: Sophie X.
- 11:40 – 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 Sibiu 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 Sibiu companies are invited to share their perspectives on.
- 14:00 – 15:00
Lunch & Networking
