Salary continues to be the main reason Romanians choose or leave a workplace, according to the latest Randstad Romania Employer Brand Research 2026. The study reveals that only 51% of Romanian employees believe they are paid enough, significantly below the European average of 58%. At the same time, 28% of respondents say they intend to change jobs in the first half of 2026, while many are already looking for alternatives because they fear losing their current position.

According to the research, salary is the main criterion for choosing an employer for 67% of Romanians, and its importance increases with age and professional experience. While salary is a priority for 64% of Generation Z respondents, the percentage rises to 71% among more experienced employees.

“Salary remains an essential factor for talent, but it does not work in isolation: organizational culture and employee experience are becoming complementary elements that strengthen the employer value proposition and support long-term retention,” said Dagmara Chudzińska-Matysiak, Country Manager of Randstad Romania.

Microsoft Remains Romania’s Most Attractive Employer

The ranking of Romania’s most attractive employers is once again led by Microsoft in 2026, with the company being appreciated for its cutting-edge technology and strong market reputation. ZF Lifetec (TRW) and British American Shared Services Europe complete the podium.

Other companies highly appreciated by Romanian employees include Ford Otosa, Makita, Gedeon Richter, Digi, Banca Transilvania, eMAG, and OMV Petrom. According to the study, employees are attracted not only by competitive salaries but also by strong leadership, stability, and an excellent reputation.

Fear of Layoffs Is Pushing Employees to Look for New Jobs

One of the study’s most important findings is the gap between employees’ intention to change jobs and actual mobility in the labor market. Although 28% of respondents say they plan to change jobs in 2026, the number of those who actually did so in the second half of last year was much lower.

The main reasons employees want to leave their current workplace include:

• insufficient compensation (49%);
• lack of professional growth opportunities (37%);
• the desire for a better work-life balance (30%);
• fear of losing their current job (26%);
• the feeling that their work is not rewarded fairly (26%).

Major Differences Between Generations

The study also highlights important generational differences within the workforce. Generation Z places greater emphasis on flexibility, equal opportunities, and professional development, while also being the most active generation in changing jobs. Millennials prioritize security and stability, while Generation X employees are the most concerned about salary levels and the risk of losing their jobs.

At the same time, employees in digital roles value flexibility and work-life balance more, whereas those in operational roles focus primarily on job security and stable income.

What Romanians Expect from the Ideal Employer

According to the research, the ideal employer profile is primarily defined by salary and benefits, followed by job security, equal opportunities, a pleasant work atmosphere, and career growth opportunities. However, when evaluating their current employer, Romanians appreciate stability and easy access to the workplace the most, revealing a clear gap between expectations and reality in the labor market.

The findings of the Randstad Romania Employer Brand Research 2026 confirm that the Romanian labor market is going through a period of uncertainty, in which employees are increasingly seeking financial stability, job security, and clear career development opportunities. For companies, the challenge is no longer limited to offering competitive salaries, but also to building a credible organizational culture capable of inspiring trust and long-term employee retention.

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On days when everything feels hard to handle, even though the tasks are simple, we are dealing with accumulated fatigue, which ends up affecting how anyone manages decisions. Exhaustion does not appear suddenly; it builds over time and can go unnoticed. Emily Austen, the author of the book Smarter, recently published by ap! (ACT and Politon), discusses in her book, SMARTER: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less Stressful Life, the slow onset of burnout and how it affects everyday life.

The excerpt below invites the reader to do a simple exercise and answer a few questions that will help identify burnout and discover ways to eliminate it.

Do you never feel like socializing? Do you find it hard to decide what to eat for breakfast or what to wear?

Exhaustion caused by decision fatigue means we do not care enough to make any kind of decision that could lead to major changes, such as moving to another country or suddenly quitting our job.

Have you recently behaved like an angry, irrational person for no real reason?

This is a clear sign that you are dealing with exhaustion. You no longer have any tolerance for anything, and your actions are based on panic and adrenaline rather than logic and analysis. This is often a way of counterbalancing the numbness you feel, you need more intense actions to generate stimulation, which can then lead to reckless or completely uncharacteristic behavior.

Do you generally feel tired?

If you constantly feel tired, no matter how much you sleep, if your body aches, you have headaches, a general sense of fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness throughout your body, this is a clear sign that your body is not functioning at full capacity.

Do you often find yourself panicking and obsessively worrying about minor things, sometimes things you may not have even done?

A constant state of stress or anxiety is not normal. It becomes overwhelming, destructive, and exhausting, and you end up no longer being able to “see the forest for the trees.” Nausea, restless sleep, crying, and loss of appetite are all symptoms of prolonged worry and anxiety.

EXHAUSTION (BURNOUT)

I’m sorry to tell you this, but if you answered “yes” to at least two of the questions above, it is very likely that you are experiencing exhaustion. Exhaustion makes mornings feel impossible.

So, what are you going to do about it? Keep going until you collapse? Stop altogether? Post your score on TikTok? Sure, all of these might work in the short term, but let’s talk about smarter, long-term ways of coping with the world we live in. We don’t have to swing between extremes. In this book, I hope to share what I’ve learned over more than a decade of struggling with exhaustion, to save you from spending tens of thousands of pounds by presenting both good (and bad!) solutions I’ve invested in, and to offer you something that resembles hope. A light to show you that it doesn’t have to be this hard. That, in fact, we all have more options when it comes to outcomes than we are told. You are strong, brave, and capable. Self-acceptance is essential for success; it is how you will be able to harness your potential without losing your inner light.

One of the most important ways to identify and avoid exhaustion is to clearly understand the tendencies and patterns in your routine. Just as a food journal provides an honest and revealing perspective on our eating habits, the same methodology works for other habits as well. Given that habits are defined as behaviors that are repeated regularly and tend to occur subconsciously, this is an important starting point. You need to clearly know what habits you currently have so that later you can positively influence them with awareness.

Try using this simple template and start by noting your habits as they occur throughout the day, along with the time they happen.

Recognizing exhaustion early is the first step toward a more balanced life. Learn to observe your habits and prevent burnout before it overwhelms you.

ap! (ACT and Politon) is one of the most important players in the Romanian book market. Specializing in high-quality nonfiction, the publishing house has brought to the local market a series of authors who have made waves worldwide, such as Tim Ferriss, Robin Sharma, Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Steve Harvey, Gino Wickman, and many others. At the same time, ap! (ACT and Politon) is the Romanian publisher under whose imprint the largest number of audiobooks have been released locally. Launched in 2014, the publishing house has brought over 300 audiobook titles to Romania, many of them bestsellers that have traveled around the world and changed thousands of lives.

ap! (ACT and Politon) believes in continuous development and brings Romanian readers titles that cover a wide range of topics, from personal and professional development to business, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and wellbeing. The publisher’s titles are available in both classic format and as eBooks, MP3s, or audiobooks, allowing readers to enjoy reading at any moment in their lives.

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Silviu Gresoi, PhD in AI and Data Science Lead, AI & Machine Learning Specialist, Co-Founder & Board Member of APCF, has over 20 years of experience in transforming data into intelligent, business-ready solutions.

He works at the intersection of AI and decision-making, developing models and strategies that bring clarity, efficiency, and real impact. Actively involved in education, he contributes to the understanding and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?
Silviu Greșoi: Many key moments come to mind. One of them was when I implemented my first Machine Learning system about 15 years ago. That’s when I knew this was the future: machine learning and AI support in detecting and profiling fraudulent customers. I remember telling a colleague that this was the direction, and my perception at the time proved to be correct.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Silviu Greșoi: One of the most difficult moments was when the projects I committed to had extremely tight implementation deadlines. It’s not easy to tell your boss, CEO, or an investor that things will take longer because testing phases haven’t been completed on time. There are many obstacles in a professional career, especially when you are leading teams, but if problems are handled properly, they can be solved, and difficult situations can turn into valuable lessons.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Silviu Greșoi: Yes, my ambition has always been to make artificial intelligence easy to understand, useful, and truly applicable. I wanted to use AI and data analysis to help organizations make better, safer, and more ethical decisions, while also contributing to the development of a strong culture of anti-fraud and compliance, both in Romania and internationally.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed since then?
Silviu Greșoi: At the beginning, I was mainly driven by curiosity and the desire to understand. As I’ve also said on LinkedIn, learning is a continuous process, especially in AI and Data Science. Eighteen years ago, I had just one Machine Learning book and many questions.
Today, I have an entire collection of answers… but even more questions. The difference is that now I can turn this understanding into real solutions with impact.

C&B: If we spoke with your collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Silviu Greșoi: They would probably say that I am results-oriented, visionary, and that I always try to turn complex things into clear and actionable solutions.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Silviu Greșoi: One of the most important decisions was to consistently invest in teaching and guiding others. Being involved in training, courses, and mentorship not only helped others grow, but also changed my own perspective, forcing me to simplify, structure, and apply knowledge more clearly in practice.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it natural or learned?
Silviu Greșoi: It was both learned and experienced. It was built through experiences, mistakes, and the responsibility toward the people I work with. Over time, I understood that leadership is less about you and more about how you help others grow.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Silviu Greșoi: The day starts, like for many of us, with emails, meetings, and priorities that shift along the way. The greatest satisfaction comes from moments when things make sense, when you solve a problem, see a concrete result, or when someone learns something new from what you’ve explained.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Silviu Greșoi: Clarity. Responsibility. Continuous learning. Integrity. Collaboration.

C&B: If you were to share a message with people who follow your example, what would it be?
Silviu Greșoi: Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most of the time, progress comes exactly from the things you don’t yet know.

Discover valuable insights on AI, leadership, and continuous learning from a professional shaping the future of data-driven decision-making.

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Interest in organic agriculture is growing in the Republic of Moldova, driven by consumer demand for healthy food and sustainable practices. However, authorities emphasize that not all products carrying such labels meet the required standards.

Read also: European Commission launches platform to support women in agriculture

Strict certification rules

A product can be marketed as organic only if it carries the national label “Organic Agriculture – Republic of Moldova” or the EU organic logo, along with the control body code.

Producers must also be officially registered as operators in organic agriculture and must have completed all inspection and certification stages.

National legislation and EU Regulation 2018/848 prohibit the use of these terms in commercial names, labels, or promotional materials without certification.

Consumer protection and sector growth

Authorities encourage consumers to check labels and request certificates of conformity when necessary.

At the same time, MAIA highlights that organic agriculture can bring significant benefits to the economy and the environment, supporting diversification and increasing competitiveness on international markets.

Photo: Vocea Basarabiei

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Adjusted EBITDA reached €2 billion, while total investments amounted to €2.8 billion, with 87% allocated to renewable energy and infrastructure.

Renewable expansion

Read also: European Commission proposes new law to boost demand for EU-made green technologies

Installed renewable capacity increased to 7.2 GW, accounting for 58% of total capacity. The company continues to expand, with 3.7 GW in development.

Energy mix shift

Renewable production rose by 12%, while coal-based production declined by 16%, with full coal exit planned for 2026.

CO₂ emissions dropped by 5%, reflecting the transition to cleaner energy.

Financial outlook

Net debt stood at €6.5 billion, with a leverage ratio of 3.2x EBITDA. The proposed dividend is €0.60 per share.

For 2026, PPC Group targets €2.4 billion EBITDA and €0.7 billion net profit.

Photo: CEE Energy News

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The program provides a monthly scholarship of 1,000 lei until the end of the academic year and offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internship programs within the company’s operations in the two countries.

Investment in education and talent development

Read also: 200 students in Bucharest prepare for the future of work in the AI era through a Leaders Foundation program

The initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to invest in human capital and strengthen an organizational culture focused on employee retention, long-term development and support for employees’ families.

“This scholarship program is more than a one-time financial support. For us, it represents a long-term investment in education, in the next generation of professionals and in the community built around the West Group team,” said Dan Crăciunescu, founder of the company.

Youth employment context

The initiative comes at a time when youth integration into the labor market remains challenging. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, the overall unemployment rate in Romania stood at 6% in January 2026, while youth unemployment among people aged 15–24 reached 28.2% at the end of 2025.

Through its international internship component, the program aims to support the transition from education to employment and expose participants to different professional environments.

Key elements of the program include a 1,000-lei monthly scholarship during the academic year, more than 30 students in the first edition, priority access to summer internships, and internship opportunities in Romania and Germany.

About West Group

West Group operates in sectors such as real estate development, construction, logistics spaces and building materials production in Romania and Germany.

The company’s portfolio includes residential projects in cities such as Frankfurt, Jena, Munich, Stuttgart and Bucharest.

Photo: freepik.com

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The project focused on improving the building’s energy efficiency and significantly expanding the garden department, which now covers around 5,000 square meters.

Garden area nearly doubled

The expansion added 2,115 square meters to the existing sales space:

• about 1,315 sqm outdoors
• around 800 sqm indoors

The redesigned space also includes a dedicated pet shop area with products for pets.

According to Radu Oniga, the customer base for garden products is diverse, including homeowners, residents of new suburban developments, and customers from nearby rural areas.

The retailer also reports growing interest from apartment residents investing in balcony gardening and small urban garden projects.

Gardening trends for 2026

For the 2026 spring season, the company identifies several key trends:

• increasing demand for smart irrigation systems
• interest in energy-efficient equipment
• preference for durable, long-term landscaping solutions
• growing popularity of urban gardening concepts

11 stores in Romania

The HORNBACH Holding AG & Co. KGaA group is a family-run DIY retailer listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, generating €6.2 billion in net sales in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Founded in 1877, the company currently operates 176 DIY stores and garden centers across nine European countries.

In Romania, HORNBACH runs 11 physical stores, including locations in:

• Bucharest
• Brașov
• Timișoara
• Cluj-Napoca
• Constanța
• Oradea
• Sibiu

The network is complemented by the company’s online store.

Photo: Hornbach

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The new AI-powered Service Assurance and IT Operations platform is designed to support telecom operators in their transition toward Autonomous Networks Level 4, as well as IT operations teams across industries such as banking, retail, energy and healthcare.

AI platform developed entirely in Romania

Read also: Kaufland becomes main partner of Transylvania Open and launches an inclusion-focused initiative

The Rad1x solution was developed entirely in Romania and is designed to correlate complex operational data from multiple sources, including physical and virtual infrastructure, servers, network equipment, Kubernetes clusters, data centers, cloud platforms and business applications.

The platform integrates these data streams into a service graph-based model, enabling rapid identification of the root cause of incidents while reducing irrelevant alerts.

“Rad1x transforms operational data into actionable intelligence, providing end-to-end visibility and the ability to anticipate service degradation before it impacts user experience or business continuity,” said Bogdan Hebean, CEO of Realworld Systems Group.

AI engine for predictive analytics

The platform features an integrated AI/ML engine capable of analyzing historical time series and infrastructure topology relationships to detect anomalies and potential service degradations.

It can assess the technical impact on operational and business KPIs, including financial transaction latency, e-commerce platform availability, and the stability of SCADA systems in energy networks.

Rad1x also includes an integrated conversational agent, allowing operations teams to interact with the platform through natural language, receiving contextual explanations, root cause analysis and remediation recommendations.

Cross-industry applicability

Aligned with TM Forum standards and compatible with ITIL and ITSM frameworks, Rad1x integrates with existing IT ecosystems such as OSS/BSS, ITSM, CMDB and observability platforms.

The solution can be deployed across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, banking, retail, energy and healthcare, where maintaining digital service continuity is critical.

By reducing root cause identification time to under 10 minutes in most scenarios, the platform helps organizations optimize operational costs, improve SLA compliance and increase infrastructure resilience.

Realworld Systems, founded in 1997 in the Netherlands, operates in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Romania, South Africa and India, providing consulting, system integration and software development services for organizations managing distributed infrastructure.

Photo: Realworld Systems

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At just 18 years old, Raisandra (Ariana Raisa Andra Dinu) is redefining success for a young Romanian artist. She has been singing since the age of 4 and modeling since 9, earning national and international awards and gaining global experience in music and fashion.

Her collaborations with the production company Music Lover, her international contract with American producer Marc Williams, and her role as a model for Romanian designer Cătălin Botezatu, both nationally and internationally, show that discipline, strategy, and perseverance are the keys to a successful international career.

Raisandra has taken part in major TV shows and festivals such as Next Star, Românii au talent, Festivalul Mamaia, and X Factor 2025, where she was highly appreciated. Her first international competition was Sanremo Junior in Italy, where she won the trophy at just 8 years old. In the fashion world, she has walked the runway for major designers in Milan, Paris, Spain, Cannes, and Dubai, strengthening her image as an international model. Her activity can be found on her website: www.Raisandra.com

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?
Raisandra: Everything started when I was 4 years old on stage and at 9 in modeling. My first international competition, Sanremo Junior in Italy, which I won at the age of 8, was a defining moment. Other important steps included participating in the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, winning the world champion title, signing a contract with Marc Williams, and being invited to sing on the biggest stage in Las Vegas. My appearances at the Mamaia Festival and X Factor 2025, where I was highly appreciated, strengthened my recognition in Romania. In fashion, collaborating with Cătălin Botezatu both nationally and internationally, as well as runway shows in Milan, Paris, Spain, Cannes, and Dubai, gave me global experience and visibility.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Raisandra: Managing school, rehearsals, modeling, and international competitions at the same time was the biggest challenge. I overcame it through rigorous planning, discipline, and prioritizing projects that support my long-term goals.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Raisandra: My dream is to build a strong personal brand and represent Romania on international stages. From my first international competitions to major festivals and collaborations with important designers, all my decisions have been guided by this goal.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning, and how do you feel you have transformed over time?
Raisandra: At the beginning, I was just a child passionate about music. Today, the combination of music and modeling, international experience, and participation in festivals, TV shows, and international runway events has turned me into a professional who strategically plans every project. Confidence and discipline were built with every stage I stepped on.

C&B: If we met your collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Raisandra: They would probably say that I am disciplined, persistent, and detail-oriented. Working with the Music Lover team and international producers taught me that professionalism and responsibility define a personal brand.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Raisandra: The decision to participate in international competitions was crucial. It brought global recognition, major awards, and the contract with Marc Williams, opening doors to international projects and strengthening my image as a complete artist.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style and decision-making approach? Was it natural or learned?
Raisandra: It is a combination of instinct and experience. By observing professionals like Cătălin Botezatu, I learned how to prioritize, make quick decisions, and manage projects responsibly, essential skills for managing an international career.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Raisandra: My day is structured: school, studio, rehearsals, training, and events. The moments when I can create and perform, on stage or on the runway, bring me the greatest satisfaction, because that’s where the results of strategic work become visible.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Raisandra: Perseverance, discipline, professionalism, and respect for every collaborator and project. Every day, I apply these values through careful planning, taking responsibility, and choosing strategic collaborations that support my long-term goals.

C&B: If you were to send a message to those who follow your example, what would it be?
Raisandra: Believe in your dreams, be disciplined, and think strategically. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it is built step by step through consistent work and well-thought-out decisions. Every small step matters on the path to an international career.

A true example of discipline, perseverance, and strategy, Raisandra proves that dreams can become reality through hard work and clear vision.

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The platform analyses data on learning outcomes, well-being, leadership, teacher development, management and available resources. Artificial intelligence structures and correlates the data to assist human decision-making.

Luciana Antoci: “The purpose of school is to prepare human capital for the labour market”

Read also: How a Romanian comedy platform reached 50,000 users in two years

At the launch event, Luciana Antoci, State Adviser at the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, stated:
“The role of education systems around the world is linked to creating human capital for the labour market. The end goal of education is not a diploma, but human resources integrated into the labour market, adding value and growth in their field of expertise.”

EduMetrix is open to urban and rural schools. During the pilot phase, running until March 2027, the platform will be free for the first 200 registered schools, funded by AVE and Apa Nova. After the evaluation process, the AI-supported system generates a 360° institutional report identifying strengths and improvement areas.

The platform uses 11 assessment tools and evaluates six core systems within a school.

Photo: G4Media

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