FM newsroom – office market. Romania’s office market is becoming increasingly divided, with large corporations holding steady while smaller firms pursue growth. New research highlights how company size is now shaping workplace strategy, space use and investment priorities.
Stability vs Expansion
The office market is becoming increasingly polarised in Romania. Research from Colliers shows that 87% of large companies in Romania plan to maintain their current office footprint into 2026, signalling a clear shift towards optimisation rather than growth.
Smaller firms, however, are moving in the opposite direction. With greater flexibility, they are far more inclined to expand, including into new cities, highlighting a more opportunistic mindset.
Different Sizes, Different Priorities
As the labour market matures, company size is playing a bigger role in shaping decisions. Larger organisations are focusing on stability and long-term efficiency, while mid-sized firms continue to adjust their workplaces to better support collaboration. Smaller businesses, meanwhile, remain more dynamic and open to change.
This divide is also reflected in confidence levels. Large organisations are notably more optimistic about their performance, whereas mid-sized firms show more caution.
A Mixed Picture on Office Use
Office attendance remains uneven across the market. Smaller companies tend to have higher daily presence in the workplace, while larger organisations continue to balance hybrid models.
At the same time, formal attendance policies are far more common in bigger companies, whereas smaller firms still favour flexibility over structure.
Cost Pressures and Wellbeing Gaps
Cost remains a shared concern, particularly around rent and maintenance. Yet priorities differ. Larger companies are investing heavily in employee wellbeing, with widespread mental health support programmes, while smaller firms lag behind due to more limited resources.
Workplace challenges also vary. Accessibility is a key issue for smaller organisations, while larger companies are struggling with rigid office layouts that are harder to adapt.
Technology Drives Advantage
Technology is becoming a clear differentiator. Mid-sized firms, in particular, are leading the way in adopting AI solutions, combining agility with sufficient scale to implement change quickly.
A More Fragmented Future
The findings underline a broader shift towards tailored workplace strategies. Rather than following a single trend. Companies are shaping office use around their own size, needs and ambitions—creating a more fragmented but more purposeful office market.