Otilia Bordei, Partner TREEE: We anticipate this year a continued emphasis on flexible office solutions, driven by the evolving work-life balance expectations

Outsourcing Today, the business services industry’s community networking and news integrated platform, resumes the series of interviews dedicated to evolution, expectations and opportunities in business services and related industries.

We invite business leaders, managers of strategic departments of companies, key voices in their field to share with us their insights depicting the business evolution this year, how it looks, how it is anticipated, what adjustments are included in 2025’s agenda and the perspective of growth.

Find the full series of interviews here

We spoke recently with Otilia Bordei, Partner TREEE about the business evolution this year, the leadership and people approach, market evolution among others.

Find below the insights:

Strategic Vision and Market Trends

What are the key trends you believe will shape your industry in 2025?

In 2025, we anticipate a continued emphasis on flexible office solutions, driven by the evolving work-life balance expectations. We also foresee a growth in demand for sustainable and tech-integrated spaces, and a continuous revaluation of office space utilization, with a focus on creating collaborative environments that help innovation and attract talent.

Moreover, on the office market we see:
• Pre-Leasing Challenges: Developers are delaying new office projects due to slow pre-leasing demand, increasing complexity in obtaining building authorizations in Bucharest, and rising construction costs. As a consequence, future rents are expected to increase due to the constrained supply of new high-quality office spaces.
• Infrastructure Impact: The M6 metro line development is expected to boost office demand in the North submarket.
• Sustainability Focus: The vast majority of modern office stock in Bucharest has obtained green certifications, with most developments meeting LEED and BREEAM standards. This shift reflects the growing demand for sustainable workspaces that prioritize energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, reflecting a growing trend as tenants prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency. Therefore there is a high demand for buildings with lower carbon footprints, advanced energy management systems, and improved indoor environmental quality.

What major adjustments should a business consider this year, in the context of local market competition and worldwide challenges?

Businesses should prioritize agility and adaptability. In the face of local market competition and global economic uncertainties, they need to be prepared to adapt quickly. This includes flexible lease terms, investing in technology that supports hybrid work models, and focusing on creating office spaces that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, understanding and incorporating ESG principles into their real estate strategy is crucial for long-term resilience.

What leadership aspects are you carrying into 2025?

In 2025, leadership in the real estate sector will require a blend of strategic foresight and empathetic management. We’ll be focusing on creating a culture of innovation and collaboration, while also prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity.
Our main priority is to build strong relationships with clients and understanding their evolving needs. We’ll also be emphasizing data-driven decision-making and leveraging technology to enhance our services.

People and Sustainability

What steps is your company taking to align with the sustainability goals in 2025?

We are actively promoting and facilitating the leasing of green-certified buildings, and we’re advising our clients on how to optimize their office spaces for energy efficiency. We’re also integrating sustainable practices into our own operations, such as reducing waste and promoting digital documentation.

How do you engage people in your teams to ensure long-term sustainability in your operations?

Currently we are a team of three people, partners, and it is extremely important for us to be up to date with the best practices on sustainability through continuous education. We believe that if we get this right now, we can make a much bigger difference as we grow. It’s not just about doing our piece; it’s about creating a business that’s ready for whatever the future throws our way.
We also support a culture of transparency and accountability, where everyone understands their role in achieving our goals.

Which are the main aspects to be considered in 2025 in terms of DEI and ESG?

In 2025, DEI and ESG will be integral to business success. In terms of DEI, companies should focus on creating inclusive workplaces that value diversity and promote equity. For ESG, the emphasis will be on reducing carbon footprint, promoting responsible resource management, and ensuring ethical governance. These aspects will not only enhance a company’s reputation but also contribute to long-term value creation.

What are the priorities for nurturing talent and building a resilient workforce this year?

As three partners navigating a competitive market, our talent strategy is built on:
• Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Fostering a team that thinks innovatively and takes initiative.
• Collaboration: Prioritizing shared ideas and diverse perspectives.
• Resilience: Building a strong, united team ready to face challenges.
• Agile Adaptability: Encouraging a flexible, quick-learning approach.
We believe this empowers our team to thrive and drive our business forward.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

What role does innovation play in the company’s business strategy for this year? In what kind of business aspects should be more integrated?

Innovation is central to our business strategy. We’re integrating technology into all aspects of our operations, from virtual office tours to data analytics. We believe that innovation enhances our efficiency, improves client experience, and drives growth. We are focusing on integrating innovation into property marketing, client relationship management, and data analysis to stay ahead of the curve.

What emerging technologies are you planning to leverage for business growth this year? What about AI, how it is anticipated to reshape the business this year?

This year, our primary focus is on the digitalization of our daily operational tasks. We’re investing in tools and platforms that automate administrative processes, improve data management, and facilitate easy communication both internally and with our clients.

Regarding AI, we anticipate it will significantly reshape our business. We are exploring how AI can help us extract deeper insights from market data, identify trends, and provide more accurate forecasts to our clients. We are also looking into how AI can automate certain client interactions, such as initial inquiries and information gathering, to free up our team for more strategic tasks.

Looking Ahead

For 2025, my power words, deeply rooted in our company’s core values, are:
• Transformation: We’re committed to leading the market’s shift towards flexible, sustainable, and tech-integrated workspaces.
• Responsibility: We’re focused on ethical practices and promoting energy-efficient office solutions.
• Environment: We champion green buildings and educate clients on sustainable workspace benefits.
• Employee Experience: We prioritize creating offices that enhance well-being and productivity for our clients’ teams.
• Empathy: We build trust through personalized client relationships, understanding their unique needs.

These values aren’t just professional ideals; they’re a reflection of my personal dedication to the future of offices in our city.