Employees prioritize job security and stability over flexibility in 2026

2026 has reshaped the priorities of Romanian employees amid a challenging economic and social context marked by uncertainty and a lack of predictability. For 67%, job stability and financial security are the most important concerns this year, ahead of flexibility (44.8%) and work–life balance (42.9%), according to a survey conducted by Genesis Property at the beginning of this year on a nationally representative sample of 1,146 respondents. As a result, more than 63% go to the office daily or almost daily, primarily to gain professional visibility and receive validation from managers for their contribution to the company’s performance (42.1%), but also to reconnect with colleagues (34.6%) and benefit from informal learning and knowledge transfer from more experienced team members (30.6%).

The office is thus becoming a benchmark of stability for employees, and physical presence is no longer associated solely with productivity, but also with strengthening professional standing and building meaningful interpersonal relationships. One in two employees believes that the primary role of the office in 2026 will be collaboration, co-creation, and team connection. To support both cohesion and efficiency at work, employees consider it essential to have collaborative spaces (46.3%), informal interaction areas (38.8%), as well as green and regeneration spaces (32.1%) and dedicated zones for individual focus (28.7%). On the other hand, a growing number of employees acknowledge that remote work limits these needs, with the most significant risks being professional isolation and loneliness (45.1%), blurred boundaries between work and personal time (43.8%), and difficulties in building professional relationships (28.2%).

”We are seeing a clear shift in 2026. While in previous years the conversation was dominated by flexibility, today employees are seeking, above all, security and purpose. The office is no longer just an operational space, but a platform for belonging, professional visibility, mentorship, and human reconnection. People want to be seen, validated, and part of a community. For employers, the real stake is no longer simple physical presence at the office, but creating an environment that provides clarity, stability, and meaningful experiences that rebuild a sense of belonging and strengthen employee retention”, says Elena Panait, Head of Leasing & ComYunitY, Genesis Property.

Employees want autonomy, strong leadership, and greater support for their wellbeing

When it comes to career plans, 48.8% say this is not the right time for major job changes, while 36.9% are prioritizing financial security over risky opportunities, the Genesis Property survey further shows.

If financial stability tops the list of priorities, the relationship with employers and managers becomes strategically important. Employees’ expectations are split between greater autonomy and flexibility in how they work (37.3%), strong leadership that also prioritizes team wellbeing - not just results (36.1%) - and increased support for mental and emotional health (35.6%). Moreover, from their managers, employees expect more empathy and genuine attention to their needs (48.2%), real transparency in decision-making and honest communication - especially in the current context (47.5%) - as well as clarity regarding the company’s direction, priorities, and expected outcomes (33.5%).

As a result, the office is evolving this year from a place where work simply happens into a complex ecosystem that supports collaboration, mentorship, recognition, and long-term professional development - complemented by the flexibility offered by hybrid work. However, presence without purpose no longer resonates with employees, meaning that employers must provide spaces, facilities, experiences, and a strong community that bring teams together and align with employees’ new expectations and evolving ways of working.

Genesis Property does not merely develop office buildings, but creates integrated work ecosystems designed to support both professional growth and personal balance for employees of all generations. YUNITY Park, the office campus owned by Liviu Tudor, founder of Genesis Property, was conceived as a concrete response to the constantly evolving needs of today’s workforce. With generous green areas, indoor and outdoor relaxation zones, and facilities that promote wellbeing at work, YUNITY Park has become a benchmark for the new workplace experience. The campus is currently in its third phase of development, with a total investment of €50 million.

The Genesis Property survey on employees’ working models and professional expectations in 2026 was conducted online at the beginning of this year on a total sample of 1,146 internet users in Romania. Of the respondents, over 53% are men, 76% are employees without managerial roles, and nearly 33% report a net monthly income of over 6,000 lei.