focusonbusiness.eu No. 3 (4) | May–June 2022 ISSN 2720-3549 PRICE EUR 6 (INCL. 8% VAT)
INTRODUCTION
Ladies and Gentlemen, Every year, May and June are the season of business events, not only in Poland, but also in other countries. This year, in the business services sector, this season began much earlier with the Outsourcing Stars Gala and The BSS Forum organized by Pro Pro gressio. These events are among the most important in Europe and, as every year, attracted hundreds of participants. The next weeks and months will bring a series of events in Poland, Germany, Portugal, Bulgaria and other countries, but those are The BSS Forum and the Outsourcing Stars Gala which we write about on our pages. I invite you to read the fourth issue of FOCUS ON Business, in which we have collected a number of publications and interviews in the areas of business, invest ment and HR. Dozens of pages filled with valuable content. This time our main article is an interview with Marek Szul – Vice President of Lionbridge in Poland, a person honoured by Pro Progressio with the title of The Mana ger of the Year 2021. Marek Szul is a man who, apart from his daily duties, finds time to engage in helping seniors and protecting bees. He told us about how he does it. The pandemic in Poland has been transformed into an epidemic emergency. This situation changed a lot in terms of the work carried out by many companies. A large percentage of organizations have decided to return to offices, which means that in the coming months we may expect to see the return to wider direct relation ships between companies. May this trend last as long as possible. I invite you to read the FOCUS On Business magazine.
Editor in Chief
Editorial office EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Dymitr Doktór | dymitr.doktor@proprogressio.pl MANAGING EDITOR: Elwira Przybylska | elwira.przybylska@proprogressio.pl DTP: Iwona Księżopolska ADVERTISING: reklama@proprogressio.pl PUBLISHED BY: Pro Progressio spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością spółka komandytowa ul. Dziekońskiego 1, 00-728 Warszawa www.proprogressio.pl EDITORIAL OFFICE ADDRESS: ul. Dziekońskiego 1, 00-728 Warszawa
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Selected photos come from stock.adobe.com. An electronic version of the Magazine see the website www.focusonbusiness.eu. All rights reserved. No copying, reproduction or photocopying allowed without written consent of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication as well as the content of the adverts are not necessarily those of the editor. LEGAL SUPPORT: Chudzik i Wspólnicy PRINT: Drukarnia Jantar
CIRCULATION: 3000 copies PLACE AND DATE OF ISSUE: Warsaw, 26.05.2022 AUTHORS: Marcin Witkowski • Michał Lisawa • Agata Józefiak • Marek Szul • Grzegorz Kmieciński • Jan Szulborski • Agnieszka Wójcicka • Agnė Camara • Anna Tymoshenko • Bożena Szczypiór • Janusz Nowak • Katarzyna Pączkowska • Aleksandra Trzcińska • Martyna Petrus • Iwo Paliszewski • Paweł Woźniak • Katarzyna Piotrowska • Małgorzata Niedźwiedzka
3
INDEX
6 8 18 20 22 26 30 38 40 42 44 4
BUSINESS NEWS WIND OF CHANGE in Tricity: The BSS Forum and the Outsourcing Stars Gala 2022 2022 saw the 9th edition of the flagship Pro Progressio event, recognized as one of the most inspiring networking events that yet again brought the BSS sector in Europe together.
New Real Property Developer Act 29 April 2022 marked ten years since the Act of 16 September 2011 on the Protection of the Rights of Buyers of Flats or Houses entered into force.
New regulations in Polish Labour Code We talk to Michał Lisawa, LL.M, Attorney-at-law and head of the employment practice at Baker McKenzie.
Four Paramount Trends that Construct Digital Workplace Almost 90% of surveyed workers and managers say they are satisfied working from home.
How to furnish a multi-functional office? Modern approach to offices treats them as more than just workplaces.
MAIN INTERVIEW The strongest bridges are built together Interview with Marek Szul, Vice President of Lionbridge Poland.
INVESTMENT NEWS Offices – From Workspace to Experience Space Over the past two years, we have learned to adapt to unforeseen scenarios.
An analysis of the office market in a shifting landscape: availability and occupier demand At the end of 2021, Poland’s total office stock stood at 12.2 million sq m, having grown by approximately 1.25 million sq m in 2020-2021.
ESG – a revolution that will change the real estate industry Issues related to ESG, are changing in front of our eyes from the phase characteristic of early development and testing, into a permanent trend.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
46 48 52 54 58 62 64 70 72 74 78 80 Focus on Business | May–June 2022
International House Vilnius: Soft Landing for International Talent Even the most prepared newcomers can find themselves puzzled at times.
2022 in Poznań marked by the development of real estate Both the commercial and residential real estate markets are developing very dynamically in Poznań, and more plots are awaiting upgrades.
Częstochowa – a 15-minute city The idea of Anne Hidalgo is beautiful. From the point of view of the inhabitants of Częstochowa, city located about 1,500 kilometers from Paris, it is even a necessity.
Katowice – the city on top, the city on the podium Stable and balanced development of every city would not be possible without an appropriate economic background.
Smart Kielce. City of sustainable development We talk to Bożena Szczypiór, Deputy Mayor of Kielce, about the challenges that the city faces and the opportunities which will determine its further development.
Bydgoszcz open to people and business An open gate in the coat of arms of Bydgoszcz is not just a symbol.
Close cooperation between the education sector and business is the priority Interview with Janusz Nowak, Vice-President of Elbląg.
HR NEWS Trends that will shape the Labor Market in 2022 The trends driving transformation are not new, but newly urgent.
Who are the most desirable employers in Poland? We talk to experts from Antal Poland about the newest edition of the Most Desirable Employer report.
Increasing interest in Polish IT specialists An interview with Paweł Woźniak, Head of Business Development & Recruitment, Link Group.
Custom Recruitment Support More and more often we deal with situations, where a business expecting a rapid growth notices workforce shortages and new recruitment needs emerge.
5
BUSINESS NEWS CONNECTED BEEHIVES ARE BEING BUILT ALL OVER SWEDEN – COLLECTING DATA FROM BEES TO STRENGTHEN BIODIVERSITY
ORACLE AND AICPA & CIMA TEAM UP TO TACKLE THE TECHNOLOGY SKILLS GAP IN FINANCE
BeeLab, an initiative by the Nordic tech
ty for both humans and nature. Bees are
Oracle and the Association of Interna
company Tietoevry, has been awarded
one of the most important creatures on
tional Certified Professional Accountants
SEK 600,000 in funding from the Swedish
the planet by maintaining biological diver
(the Association) founded by the Ame
Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)
sity. Honeybees live in communities and
rican Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and
to expand the network of connected
hives, and are therefore well suited to col
the Chartered Institute of Management
beehives throughout Sweden. Data col
lect research data from. With data such as
Accountants (CIMA), announced an intro
lected from the connected hives are used
temperature, weight, air pressure, humi
ductory certification series to address
for research and to strengthen biodiver
dity or air quality collected via IoT-sensors
the technology skills gap in finance and
sity. With the funding, it will be possible
and with the help of AI, we can get a com
accounting. Created in collaboration
to build and install digital hives in all 25
pletely new understanding of how bees live
with Oracle, AICPA & CIMA’s new “Agile
beekeeper districts in the country.
and see long-term trends. The more hives
Finance Transformation Certification
BeeLab is an initiative of Tietoevry
we can install, the better that understan
Series” is designed to equip finance lead
where digital beehives are connected in
ding will be – says Mikael Ekström, bee
ers with practical knowledge required
a nationwide network. With the help of
keeper and senior digitization advisor at
to embrace the latest finance techno
sensors (IoT), a mobile app, cloud solu
Tietoevry.
logy, processes, best practices, and skills
tions and artificial intelligence (AI),
Today, the project consists of hives
to help them succeed in changing busi
the project enables monitoring of bee
in seven Swedish cities. With the help
ness environments and accelerate their
colonies. By collecting and analyzing
of the extra funding, the initiative is
careers.
data, BeeLab creates a better understan
planning to, together with HSB Living
As businesses navigated recent
ding of how to avoid bee deaths and
Lab, the Swedish Beekeepers' Associa
market disruptions, finance teams rapi
diseases, and help beekeepers take care of
tion and Linnaeus University, expand
dly embraced cloud technology that
their colonies better.
with a nationwide network of connected
would help drive critical business deci
hives, in all of Sweden's 25 beekeeper
sions. However,only 10 percent of finance
districts.
leaders believe their teams have the full
– BeeLab shows how digital solu tions can contribute to improving the socie-
complement of technology skills needed to support their organization’s finance transformation ambitions. To meet demand, create career advancement opportunities, and help their organiza tions succeed, finance professionals are hungry to improve their digital trans formation skills. Yet, only six percent of finance leaders say they have a robust finance training program in place. The course materials walk through critical steps for finance leaders to begin the transformation journey from the per spective of a finance practitioner who has successfully completed a transformation project. The certification series features key elements including: • Practical steps to guide a finance trans formation journey • Proven best practices and correspond ing operational blueprints • New skills that support and accelerate career development • Real world experiences delivered by Oracle finance leaders based on their own finance transformation.
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Focus on Business | May–June 2022
CHINA TO DOMINATE ECOMMERCE BY 2025 China is the current leader in the eCom merce industry. At least up until 2025. According to the numbers presented by SafeBettingSites.com, the Chinese eCom merce industry will produce $1626 bil lion in yearly revenue by 2025. In 2021, the annual income of the Chinese eCom merce industry stood at $1368 billion. The United States has been playing catch-up with China regarding the eCom merce industry. According to the data available on Statista, the United States eCommerce industry accounted for $799.7B in 2021. However, the US eCom merce industry will witness rapid growth in the next few years. The US eCommerce industry brought in $449B in revenues in 2017. The annual revenue stood at 799.7B in 2021, and it is expected to grow up to $1365B in 2025. Therefore, in the period from 2017 to 2025, the US eCommerce industry is expected to grow by more than 204%. Similarly, in the period from 2021 to 2025, the US industry is expected to grow
the eCommerce leader in the next few
eCommerce industry in 2025, with
by 71%.
years. However, China’s growth rate
$324.6B in revenues. European super
is expected to slow down compared to
powers the United Kingdom and Ger
the US.
many will complete the top five. How
In China, the growth from 2017 to 2025 is expected to be just 61% compared to 204% in the US. From 2021 to 2025,
It’s safe to say that China and
ever, annual revenues in these countries
the Chinese eCommerce industry should
the United States will continue to domi
will be pretty insignificant compared to
grow by about 19%. Regardless, China
nate the eCommerce industry. As per
the eCommerce industries of China and
is expected to hold on to its position as
the report, Japan will be the third biggest
the US.
BRICKNODE RECOGNISED AS A WEALTHTECH100 COMPANY FOR 2022 Bricknode, a leading SaaS financial
Bricknode is a pioneer in the Wealth-
FinTech Global director Richard
services platform, has been named in
Tech space having launched one of the first
Sachar said: The rise of digital distribu
the WealthTech100 list for 2022, launched
cloud investment technology platforms.
tion channels and online financial pro
by specialist research firm FinTech
Bricknode helps financial institutions
ducts has opened new client segments for
Global. The prestigious ranking highlights
launch modern, digital investment
investment firms and financial advisors.
the world’s most innovative technology
products, with little or no development
As a result, businesses that fail to keep up
solution providers that address digital
requirements.
with the latest technologies and innova
transformation challenges for invest
Bricknode Founder & CEO, Ste
tion will be less competitive and lose mar
ment firms, banks and fintechs. This year,
fan Willebrand, said: I’m delighted that
ket share over time. The WealthTech100
a panel of analysts and industry experts
Bricknode has been named in the Wealth
list helps senior decision-makers in
voted from a list of more than 1,200 busi
Tech100 list for 2022. Innovation in
the industry filter through all the vendors
nesses to identify the 100 WealthTech
the investment sector is growing rapidly
in the market by highlighting the leading
innovation leaders.
as established wealth management firms
companies in areas such as client acquisi
The WealthTech sector has expe
and new market entrants launch the next
tion, financial planning, portfolio manage
rienced rapid growth over the last two
generation of investment products. We’ve
ment and digital brokerage.
years as COVID-19 restrictions have acce
been developing our capabilities since 2010
lerated the need for digital products and
and are ideally placed to help these com
remote client communications.
panies achieve their goals.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
7
BUSINESS
WIND OF CHANGE in Tricity: The BSS Forum and the Outsourcing Stars Gala 2022
Job Fair, the “Before Night”, The BSS Forum conference, and the Outsourcing Stars Gala attracted a crowd of more than 1,200 participants. Over a dozen lectures and presentations were delivered, hundreds of thought-provoking debates and meetings were had, and let us not forget about an eagerly awaited networking opportunity – all topped off with best-in-class entertainment. 2022 saw the ninth edition of the flagship Pro Progressio event, recognized as one of the most inspiring networking events that yet again brought the BSS sector in Europe together. 9
BUSINESS
JOB FAIR
For the first time, and in line with the “Wind of Change” leitmotif, Pro Progressio decided to move forward with an updated formula for its annual gathering. This meant supplementing the Forum and the Gala with the "My Work, My Development, My Choice" Job Fair, which included workshops for students and employees of companies within the BSS. Job Fair’s agenda was designed to cater to the needs of both the managers and employees from Poland and abroad interested in starting their careers in the modern business services sector. This was a pioneering move as nothing of the kind was organized in Poland ever before. Held in the impressive building of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, the Job Fair was visited by more than 800 people.
10
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
CITY TOUR
City Tour ranked among the most popular fringe events happening around The BSS Forum and the Outsourcing Stars Gala. Its participants toured the most inter esting office locations in Tricity and had the opportunity to pay site visits to some of the top-class Tricity facilities boasting the best arrangements for their tenants.
BEFORE NIGHT AMONG THE STARS
"Before Night" – an evening of networking that took place on the eve of The BSS Forum – was a well-attended affair, as so often is the case. Held in the stylish interiors of the 34th floor of the Olivia Star skyscraper, its participants reveled in the spectacular city and coastline panorama until late into the night, all while nibbling away on snacks and wine. Many guests kicked off their evening with a visit to the Olivia Garden, a truly astonishing tropical garden located on the building’s ground floor.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
11
BUSINESS
THE BSS FORUM
The BSS Forum took place at the Courtyard By Marriott Gdynia Waterfront hotel. Several hundred participants and several dozen speakers from Poland and abroad were there that day. Debates and lectures formed a program strongly focused on cur rent trends and challenges in the area of modern business services. The proceedings were divided into three parallel streams that covered the following areas: Business, Sales and Development, and HR. The event’s special guest was Peter Ryan from Ryan Strategic Advisory based out of Canada. He revealed the exclusive list of the hottest and most desirable BPO locations in the world in 2022. Wiktor Doktór, CEO of Pro Progressio, remarked: The main objective of ‘The BSS Forum’ remains the same – discuss the most important topics and challenges faced by the modern business services industry. Nearly 400 participants from Poland, Europe, and Canada is a testament to the fact that we prepared an agenda that met their expectations. I am thrilled that this year we have also added the Job Fair event to The BSS Forum; it proved to be the missing piece of the jigsaw and we know already that the it will become a permanent fixture of our events in the future. Tricity was supposed to experience the wind of business changes. It most definitely happened.
12
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
GALA OUTSOURCING STARS 2022 One of the staples and among the most anticipated moments across all Pro Pro gressio events was the ninth edition of the Outsourcing Stars Gala. Hundreds of guests gathered in the industrial set ting of the Plenum building located in the Gdańsk Shipyard in order to take part in celebrating past 12 months in the BSS industry. As always, excellent live music made for a truly breathtaking experience. The results of the Outsourcing Stars competition were revealed at the Out sourcing Stars Gala. This award honors the fastest- -growing companies and the most pro minent business environment organi zations in the business services sector. A total of 13 prizes were awarded.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
13
BUSINESS
THE WINNERS OF THE “OUTSOURCING STARS 2022” ARE:
14
BPO: INFOSYS
SSC: 3M GSC POLAND
CALL CONTACT CENTER: TRANSCOM WORLDWIDE POLAND
IT – SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: SOFTSERVE POLAND
PERMANENT RECRUITMENT: MANPOWERGROUP
IT CONTRACTING: LINK GROUP
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
RPA: NORDEA BANK ABP
ACCOUNTING, HR, PAYROLL: BPION POLAND
DEVELOPER: CAVATINA
REAL ESTATE: CBRE
CITY: INVEST IN POMERANIA, TRICITY
BUSINESS
INNOVATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTION: INOVATICA AGV
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: MAREK SZUL – VICE PRESIDENT, LIONBRIDGE
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Focus on Business | May–June 2022
THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF PRO PROGRESSIO WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR THE SUPPORT IN ORGANIZING AND MAKING THE JOB FAIR, THE BSS FORUM, AND THE OUTSOURCING STARS GALA A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
ORGANIZER
STRATEGIC PARTNER
GOLD SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
PARTNER CITIES
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS OUTSOURCING VERBAND GERMAN OUTSOURCING ASSOCIATION
MEDIA PATRONS
OUTSOURCING JOURNAL SHARED KNOWLEDGE FOR D-A-CH & GLOBAL MARKETS
IPOSTA
HONORARY PATRON
BUSINESS
New Real Property Developer Act Text | Marcin Witkowski
29 April 2022 marked ten years since the Act of 16 September 2011 on the Protection of the Rights of Buyers of Flats or Houses, commonly referred to as the Developer Act, entered into force. During these ten years, the Act has frequently been criticised. It was argued that its provisions were too general and far from precise. Over time, it has become clear that it requires amendments to ensure an adequate level of buyers' protection.
Listening to critical voices regarding
are purchased together with shares in
the sale offer. The reservation agree
the 2011 Developer Act, the Polish legis
garages or storage rooms.
ment should be executed in writing
lator proceeded to work on introducing
In addition, some provisions of
a new law. As a result, the Act on the Pro
the 2021 Act will also apply to sales con
under pain of nullity. Under the new Developer Act, any
tection of Rights of Buyers of Flats or
tracts of already constructed residen
contract falling within its scope may be
Houses and the Developer Guarantee
tial premises concluded by entrepre
preceded by a reservation agreement.
Fund was enacted on 20 May 2021. It will
neurs other than developers, i.e. those
The reservation fee is not a man
enter into force on 1 July 2022. The new
who have purchased units from a deve
datory element of the reservation con
Developer Act brings significant changes
loper to resell them to consumers. In this
tract. However, if the parties decide
to protect buyers of residential pre
case, the new Act will include provisions
to include one, its amount must not
mises better.
concerning the reservation contract and
exceed 1% of the price of the residen
acceptance of the acquired property.
tial premises provided in the informa
SCOPE OF APPLICATION OF THE NEW REAL PROPERTY DEVELOPER ACT
RESERVATION CONTRACT
The new Developer Act will apply both
The old Developer Act did not contain
PROTECTION OF BUYER'S PAYMENTS
to developer contracts, i.e. those con
provisions on the reservation agreement.
The new Act only provides for two means
cluded before or during the execution of
This contract has evolved during busi
of protecting the buyer's payments, i.e.
a development project, and those signed
ness practices. In the absence of statutory
open and closed escrow accounts.
by the developer after the construction
regulation, developers virtually freely
Before the developer starts selling
has been completed.
shaped the content of the reservation
the housing units, they should sign
tion prospectus.
an open escrow account or a closed
The new Developer Act will apply both to developer contracts, i.e. those concluded before or during the execution of a development project, and those signed by the developer after the construction has been completed.
escrow account contract with a bank. The 2011 Act did not specify when the developer should open the escrow account. The escrow account contract should be signed for a single development pro ject. However, if a development project
18
Additionally, the legislator provides
agreement. That undoubtedly posed
has separate stages, each stage should
that the new law will also apply to con
a threat to the consumers' interests.
have a separate escrow account.
tracts concerning commercial premi
Therefore, the legislator decided to intro
The significant changes introduced
ses if such agreement is concluded with
duce the institution of the reservation
by the new Act also include the devel
the contract of sale of a flat or house.
agreement to the new law.
oper's obligation to maintain the open
Also, the commercial premises must con
Per the new regulation, the reser
escrow account until the last title has
stitute part of the same project. These
vation contract's essence is to temporary
been transferred within the develop
are the cases in which flats or houses
exclude the selected flat or house from
ment project or its stage.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
DEVELOPER GUARANTEE FUND The new Developer Act also establishes
The creation of the Fund should
a Developer Guarantee Fund (the "Fund"),
be perceived positively. Undoubtedly,
a separate account within the Insurance
there was a need for a mechanism ena
Guarantee Fund.
bling the recovery of amounts paid by
The Fund's money will come from,
buyers on account of the price. How
among other things, developers' contri
ever, on the other hand, it should be
butions. Such contribution will be calcu
noted that the obligation to pay contri
lated as a product of the percentage rate
butions to the Fund will increase the pro
(specified by the competent Minister) and
ject's costs, which, as a result, may lead to
the value of the buyer's or developer's
growing prices of premises in the devel
payment to the escrow account.
oper market.
The creation of the Fund should be perceived positively. Undoubtedly, there was a need for a mechanism enabling the recovery of amounts paid by buyers on account of the price.
Money accumulated in the Fund will be used, among other things, for reimbursement of buyers' payments to the open escrow account. It shall be paid if the buyer withdraws from the con tract or, in case of the developer's bank
Author Marcin Witkowski | attorney-at-law Chudzik i Wspólnicy Radcowie Prawni
ruptcy, its trustee's withdrawal from the agreement.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
19
BUSINESS
New regulations in Polish Labour Code
We talk to Michał Lisawa, LL.M, Attorney-at-law and head of the employment practice at Baker McKenzie about the changes that await us this year after the entry into force of the amendment to the Polish Labour Code.
FOCUS ON Business: We have been hear-
4 years old, without their consent, in over
the parental leave will be extended from
ing a lot recently that the amendment
time, night shift, the system of interrupted
32 to 41 weeks in the case of birth of
to the Polish Labour Code, which comes
working time or to post them outside of
one child and from 34 to 43 in the case
into force in a few months, aims to
their regular place of work. This prohi
of birth of more than one child. This
ensure a balance between work and pri-
bition will be extended to parents taking
leave could still be taken by each of
vate life of working parents and carers.
care of children of up to 8 years old.
the parents. However, each parent will
What specific regulations are to provide
Employees taking care of children
have the exclusive right to 9 weeks of
these groups of employees with a better
of up to 8 years old will also have the right
parental leave from the above total dura
"work-life balance”?
to request a flexible organization of work,
tion of the leave. This right cannot be
Michał Lisawa, Baker McKenzie:
that is, applying the telework, a flexible
transferred to another parent.
These changes result from the EU directive
working time system (e.g. interrupted
In addition, the protection of em
2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents
working time, shortened working week or
ployees making use of their right related
and carers. They are meant to make it
weekend work), flexible working hours,
to parenthood will be extended. First,
easier for parents to reconcile work and
individual working schedule or decreased
as a rule, the protection against dis
family life. Poland is obliged to implement
working hours. However, the employer
missal will cover not only employees on
these new laws until 1 August 2022.
will be able to reject such a request by
leaves related to parenthood, but also
providing justification related to its needs
those granted a flexible organization of
and capacity.
work. Second, such protection will also
In particular, employees will gain the right to 5 days of special unpaid carers' leave per year. It can be taken in order
cover all preparations in connection with
to ensure personal care of or support
The changes also concern issues related
an intention of dismissing an employee.
for a family member or a person living
to maternity, parental and childcare
Third, the protected status will start on
in the same household, which requires
leaves. There will be, among others
the day of submitting a relevant request
care or support due to important medi
the extend of scope of protection for
by the employee for a leave or a flexible
cal reasons.
employees on maternity leave, leave on
organization of work. The prohibition of preparations in
Changes result from the EU directive 2019/1158 on worklife balance for parents and carers. They are meant to make it easier for parents to reconcile work and family life.
connection with an intention of dismiss ing an employee seems particularly con troversial. It is not clear exactly what actions of the employer will be forbid den. For example, one could wonder if this prohibition covers also conducting
20
Employees will be also entitled to
the terms of maternity leave and paren-
employment analysis or gathering opi
time off from work of 2 days or 16 hours
tal leave. Employers, while employees
nions about a particular employee.
per year due to force majeure, for urgent
being on the said leaves, not only, as
family reasons in the case of illness or
a rule, will not be able to terminate
The changes are also to concern length
accident making the immediate attend
their employment relationship with
of the trial period. How long then will
ance of the employee indispensable.
them, but also will not be able to con-
employees and employers be able to
Employees will retain the right to half of
duct preparations in connection with
work or employ under a probation
their remuneration during such time off.
the intention to part with the employee.
employment contract?
Currently, it is prohibited to hire
These changes also result from
Currently, the probation period
employees taking care of children of up to
the EU directive 2019/1158. In particular,
cannot exceed 3 months, regardless of
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
be justified, taking into account the needs of the employer and the employee. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a huge number of employees perform remote or hybrid mode of work, with the prospect of maintaining such a model permanently. Will the issues related to such modes of work and the circumstances related to them be finally regulated? The current laws provide for various types of performing remote work. The Labour Code regulates the telework for a number of years now. It should be applied if the work is performed regu larly outside of the workplace and the employee communicates the results of work to the employer by the means of electronic communication. The telework is formalized and relatively not flexible. The temporary remote work per formed upon the employer’s request due to the COVID-19 was introduced in 2020. However, this regulation is very general and is to be in force only during the state of pandemic threat or the state of pandemic and for 3 months after their cancellation.
Many employers create their own intern
the type and duration of the planned
it will yet create many new challenges
subsequent employment contract with
on the part of employers. Which of
procedures on remote and
the employee. Under the new law, the pro
them can cause the most trouble
bation period will have to be shorten in
for employers?
hybrid work, which are
certain situations. It cannot exceed:
It is worth mentioning two addi
• 1 month – in the case of an intention to
tional changes, which may be a chal
conclude the subsequent employment
lenge for employers. The first one relates
contract for a fixed-term period shorter
to employment contracts for a fixed term.
than 6 months,
meant to apply also after the pandemic is over.
It is planned to unify the rules of termi
At the same time, in the middle of
• 2 months – in the case of an intention
nating fixed-term and indefinite contracts.
2020 the government announced its
to conclude the subsequent employ
In particular, the employer will be obliged
plans for new regulations on remote
ment contract for a fixed-term period
to justify the termination of a fixed-term
work in the Labour Code. They should
of at least 6 months, but shorter than
contract and consult its termination with
replace the laws on telework and tempo
12 months.
a trade union. The employee will have
rary remote work due to the COVID-19.
the right to claim reinstatement to work
A few subsequent draft versions of this
in the court.
new regulation were published, but it still
The above periods could be exten ded by up to 1 month if it is justified by the type of work.
In addition, employees employed
has not been adopted. As a result, many
Moreover, the employment contract
for at least 6 months will have the right
employers create their own intern proce
for a probation period may provide that
to request changing their type of work,
dures on remote and hybrid work, which
it will be prolonged by the time equiva
changing their contract into indefinite
are meant to apply also after the pan
lent to potential leaves or other justified
one or changing their working hours
demic is over. However, it may turn out
absences of the employee.
to full time. The employer will have to
that they will have to be updated once
answer in writing within 1 month. To
the new laws enter into force.
It seems that while the amendment
the extent possible, the request should be
brings some facilitation for employees,
accepted. Potential rejection will have to
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Thank you for the interview.
21
BUSINESS
Four Paramount Trends that Construct Digital Workplace
Both organizations and employees can no longer see themselves in an office on a full-time schedule as almost 90% of surveyed workers and managers say they are completely satisfied working from home.
The dominance of virtual work environ
IT infrastructure. A case in point: Info
the speed of a digital workplace adop
ments during the 2-year COVID-19 new
pulse helped a leading pharma com
tion based on the current workforce and
normal transformed our business, work
pany modernize their IT infrastructure
business needs.
force, relationships between employees
to achieve top-notch productivity and
and managers, putting at the forefront
business efficiency. Backed by the digi
the freedom to choose when and where
tal workplace, businesses can also bene
HYBRID WORK MODEL – WHAT IS “ANYWHERE PRODUCTIVITY”?
to work. All this blazed a trail to the for
fit from maximum visibility into their IT
While remote work saved millions of
mation of a digital workplace, hub of all
infrastructure and projects, tasks, opera
knowledge workers from losing their
required tools, information, and contacts,
tions, experiences, and interactions of
livelihoods, only 13% said they would
supporting your employees and automa
employees and managers.
like to work from home and 12% from
ting day-to-day operations.
WHY DIGITAL WORKPLACE SHOULD BE ONE OF YOUR PRIORITIES IN 2022? Apparently, adopting digital workplace for many companies who are undergoing digital transformations should become
Only in 2022, we can expect that almost 60% of organizations will stick to a hybrid work model, rushing to provide their workforce with flexible work hours and meet their working location preferences
one of their priorities this year. First, because businesses get the most suited
Although the work-from-home
the office all the time. The rest 72% opted
solution to address concerns related to
environment proved to positively impact
for a hybrid work model (home and office
synchronization of offline and online
the employees’ productivity (about 48%
for 2/3 days).
communications, cloud adoption, secu
said their relationships at work improved
Going hybrid could follow a gradual
rity of virtual networks, and optimization
and 50,5% experienced fewer distrac
decline of the office-only environment,
of IT infrastructure expenses. Secondly,
tions), the haphazard adoption of remote
caused by the workplace paradigm shift.
and most importantly, a digital workplace
work solutions also posed some challenges:
However, the global surge of COVID-19
strategy takes good care of the employee
• Legacy tech stack and tools
pandemic only accelerated the wide
satisfaction and retention rates, helping
• Traditional intranet with many siloes
spread adoption of all connectivity solu
businesses to meet your workforce flexi
• Disorganized digital processes and
tions (cloud collaboration, human capital
bility, personalization, and collaboration needs. For many employees, flexibility goes to the top of their preferences, while for 54% choosing where and when to work would be pivotal and prompt them to quit jobs if employers were unable to
• Complicated access to shared know ledge and insights • A multitude of collaboration and com munication tools and technologies.
management, learning management sys tems, etc.). What we see today is the need of balancing the best of both worlds. Only in 2022, we can expect that almost 60% of organizations will stick to a hybrid work
Embracing a digital workplace
model, rushing to provide their work
can help tackle those challenges, rely
force with flexible work hours and meet
Another good point in favor of digi
ing on improved operational practices,
their working location preferences. As
tal workplace is that the latter has good
cloud services, innovative tools and
seen from the table below, employees
potential to untangle the complexity of
technologies. Before taking any further
worldwide choose Hybrid with its flexi
haphazardly adopted remote work solu
steps, we recommend studying trends
bility and freedom they can have at home
tions that may often overlap their legacy
that influence the development and
and other locations (see the graph).
provide the expected level of flexibility.
22
workflows
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Hybrid, home or office: A global breakdown of working location preferences
Global
U.S.
UK
Japan
France
Australia
Germany
Hybrid (home and one or more other locations)
72%
72%
72%
65%
74%
72%
77%
Home only
13%
16%
15%
8%
11%
14%
10%
Office only
12%
11%
8%
13%
14%
13%
13%
The ultimate goal of adopting
workforce with advanced data analytics
a hybrid digital workplace is enabling
and data intelligence. On top of that, it is
a “productivity anywhere” work model,
cloud infrastructure that makes seamless,
aiming to remove the employees’ depend
omnichannel experience and digital col
ency on a specific location supported with
laboration possible.
the right resources for seamless work and
With the inclination to a hybrid
collaboration with other team members.
form of work, cloud as a technology will make other innovations be inte
CLOUD, AI/ML/NLP – KEY ENABLERS OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL WORKPLACE
grated into in a digital workplace frame
The cloud engine that has been powering
bled personalization that can be inte
transition to remote work, today is one
grated with learning management sys
of the building blocks of a digital work
tems or connected to an organization’s
place platform. The world is rushing to
modern intranet to deliver personalized
transition to the cloud (almost all legacy
content and recommendations based on
apps will transition to the public cloud
the employee’s interests, location, user
by 2024) to acquire that feel of readi
profile, interactions, etc. AI/ML can also
ness for any possible business disrup
support advanced data intelligence to
tions. The cloud enables more reliable
help detect anomalies in data and help
and agile business operations, business
employees proactively react to possible
continuity, optimizes workforce manage
changes.
ment and cybersecurity. See what other
work. For example, like it is with AI-ena
The other AI use cases that can
benefits business receive with the cloud
beef up a digital workplace are:
transformation.
• Knowledge Mining allows automating
Cloud-based platforms also help
time-consuming navigation and disco
consolidate data and empower your
very of huge volumes of unstructured/
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
The ultimate goal of adopting a hybrid digital workplace is enabling a “productivity anywhere” work model, aiming to remove the employees’ dependency on a specific location supported with the right resources for seamless work and collaboration with other team members.
23
BUSINESS
wered with AI services, Knowledge
DIGITAL COLLABORATION AND AUTOMATION
strategy should be focused not only on
Mining searches through multiple
A recent survey confirms that 91% of
the choice of tools but also people-cen
documents, understands them, gene
enterprises use digital collaboration plat
tered strategies, allowing enterprises to:
rates metadata, classifies, and auto
forms to connect their remote workers
• Optimize communication and interac
matically tags documents to help
and 84% to enable communication
tion between your remote and onsite
employees organize data, generate
between workers, managers, and depart
insights faster, and make more infor-
ments. The leading positions among
med decisions.
them take videoconferencing and cloud-
structured/semi-structured data. Po
Overall, the digital collaboration
teams • Improve workflows and business performance • Facilitate access to the relevant infor-
A recent survey confirms that 91% of enterprises use digital collaboration platforms to connect their remote workers and 84% to enable communication between workers, managers, and departments.
mation • Prioritize positive employee experience • Maintain high workforce productivity levels.
CONCLUSION Digital workplace trends like cloud, AI,
• Cognitive Enterprise Search, the ad-
-based data storage solutions that make
hybrid work model, digital collaboration
vanced form of indexing equipped
the backbone of a digital collaboration
and automation come with many trans
with ML and NLP, which understands
platform. Videoconferencing is expected
formational opportunities not only for
the context of a query and the inqu-
to only increase its impact on the global
the workforce but also for managers and
irer’s intent. It allows analyzing and
market, reaching $27.3 billion by 2026.
business owners. It is essential to under
organizing content to meet the em-
However, digital collaboration re
stand their impact on your business and
quires the speedier completion of many
which of them you should start adopting to
• Virtual Digital Assistants like chat
repetitive tasks. The effectiveness of the di-
support your digital workplace strategy.
bots can function as employees’ per
gital workplace will greatly depend on
sonal helpers delivering only relevant
the automation of many routine mana
content and personalized information.
gement processes and managerial tasks,
While for HR managers, chatbots can
such as approval, application, onboard
become an additional source of auto
ing, and other activities that AI, RPA and
mating their routine tasks with collec
similar intelligent automation technolo
tion and distribution of useful intel.
gies can handle.
ployee’s expectations.
24
Author
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
BUSINESS
How to furnish a multi-functional office? Text | Agata Józefiak
Modern approach to offices treats them as more than just workplaces. For the employees, especially as they are returning from a long home office period, that is also the place for social interactions, trainings, workshops, and sport classes.
As a result, our expectations regard
meetings, video and telephone calls,
types of desks, conference and dining
ing the office space and its equipment
common sessions, team consultations
tables, coffee tables – and it will easily
have changed. We want more flexibi
and brainstorming. The space should be
become multi-functional. That will also
lity and versatility, as well as the possi
equipped with different worktops – a few
benefit the productivity and creativity
bility to change the functional arrange ment. Modern offices should adapt to
The space should be equipped with different worktops and it will easily become multi-functional.
fluid needs – team’s growth, new work ing style and the idea to use them after work. They should be highly adaptable and require minimal effort to trans form into a meeting or a training room, a sports studio, location for the integra tion party, even the venue for confer ences, presentations, and various events. But what furniture to choose for the office to keep it highly flexible? It would be best to decide upon timeless simplicity, neutral colours, forms and solutions that will withstand the changing trends and users’ needs. Flexible arrange ment depends on how easy it is to move and change the furniture, so it should be dynamic and mobile. Light objects, prefe rably with rollers, will be best – as they can be effortlessly moved and removed from the space. Their ability to fold or stack will be an additional benefit. What will also be great, are the furniture that adjusts to the user – thanks to additional modules and practical add-ons even changes the function – which is a perfect solution for open-space offices. Ergonomic working stations are a must for a functional office. To make it most versatile, it is important that the sta tions are adjusted to various working styles: individual concentration, business
26
Meeting zone: .mdd’s Baltic chairs and Viga conference table.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
of the employees, as they will be given the opportunity to work together or move away from their desks. It is worth putting modular and adjustable furni ture into the office, especially the openspace type or where employees rotate regularly. Height-adjustable desks, tables made of independent modules, work tops with extensions – all can change their function and adapt to the context. To maximize that, choose desks, chairs and cabinets that come with a range of functional accessories. Extensions, modesty panels, mediaboxes, grom mets and cable trays provide the user with the ability to personalise the space according to their needs. Acoustic panels mounted to the desks will help create semi-private niches. All such additions will transform even the simplest desks into ergonomic working spaces and will provide long-lasting comfort of use. They will also enable a few employees to use the same desk, therefore impro ving the flexibility of the whole space. A cherry on top will be the integrated storage functions, such as pedestals and light bookshelves. But remember, a working station does not have to be a desk – and func Meeting and relax zone: .mdd’s Mesh sofa and Fat Frank armchair with footrest.
tional solutions are not limited to desks as well. Here comes the table, possibly the most versatile among furniture. Big
A working station does not have to be a desk – and functional solutions are not limited to desks as well. Here comes the table, possibly the most versatile among furniture.
and comfortable or compact and func tional – it will suit all spaces in the office. Above all, the office table will function as a spot for coffee or lunch break, but it will also be perfect for meetings, both social and working. Or even busi ness meetings with clients, as it is much easier to talk over coffee. After adding mediaboxes and panels, a table can replace a desk. That is a great solution for a sudden growth of the team, a tem porary change of the working style or when parts of the office are out of order. Such tables can also be used after working hours: the space can be rented for courses, workshops, and events, while the employees can meet there in the afternoon. They can celebrate birth days, play board games or cook. A sim ple trick to improve the flexibility of the space is to create big tables out of smaller ones, that can be set apart while needed. Also, try to find a model that has
Conference room: .mdd’s Baltic chairs and Viga conference table.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
some additional functionalities, such as a table with a whiteboard top.
27
BUSINESS
A thoughtful arrangement is what creates offices that can be used for various purposes, not only work. Spaces designated there will interchange their functions: a conference room can work as a dining space, a canteen will be great for meetings, and the office spaces becomes a training or sports room.
Conference room: .mdd’s Baltic chairs and Viga conference table.
28
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
What about lounge zones in the multi-functional office? In a flexible office they don’t need to be separate rooms, more and more often they are just designated in the space. Canteens are equipped better and better, to ena ble employees to prepare fresh lunch, and arranged more cozy, not only as din ing rooms. Social rooms are replaced by arrangements of sofas, armchairs and coffee tables placed around the office. As a result, they both become multi-func tional, as they provide a spot for a break and for a meeting – social, business and working. In terms of mobility, lounge zones are much easier. Seating furniture and coffee tables are smaller and lighter, so it does not require much effort to move them, even if they don’t have the rollers. Currently, on the market, there are more and more models available with func tions not determined by their forms. Those are the shell seating, light arm chairs, and chairs with a wide range of additional elements such as headrests, armrests, or swivel bases. They will per form equally good for working, eating, and relaxing. An interesting solution are also seating collections with various bases and chairs to choose from. Using one model, you can furnish the whole office. Sofas and armchairs with high backrests provide additional opportu nity to surround the space, as they desi gnate muted niches in the space. While choosing chairs, it is also worth to check whether they can be stacked to save some
Lounge zone: .mdd’s Baltic chairs and Tack table.
space while not using them. A thoughtful arrangement is what creates offices that can be used for various purposes, not only work. Spaces designated there will interchange their functions: a conference room can work as a dining space, a canteen will be great for meetings, and the office spaces becomes a training or sports room. All that needs
In terms of mobility, lounge zones are much easier. Seating furniture and coffee tables are smaller and lighter, so it does not require much effort to move them, even if they don’t have the rollers.
to be done to make your space multi-func tional, is to carefully choose the furniture. Products, that will help create a flexible office, are available at .mdd. Brand col lections consist of various seating: chairs, armchairs, sofas, high stools, and poufs, enabling for a coherent arrangement of all functional zones. The idea behind
Author Agata Józefiak Marketing Specialist, .mdd
most of them is a range of seats and bases to choose from, and by that to adjust the furniture to the needs.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
29
MAIN INTERVIEW
THE STRONGEST BRIDGES ARE BUILT TOGETHER Interview with Marek Szul, Vice President of Lionbridge Poland.
30
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
31
MAIN INTERVIEW
Wiktor Doktór, Pro Progressio: At
thing that it takes to realize your goals is
the latest Outsourcing Stars Gala
your time and effort. Other things that
organized by Pro Progressio you were
may come handy along the way are being
awarded the title of the Manager of
humble, having respect for others, being
the Year. Every year, this title is gran-
genuine, hardworking, passionate, enthu
ted to an extraordinary person who
siastic, as well as fully engaged and dedi
has multi dimensional, significant
cated. I accept no half measures in what
impact on developing modern services
I do – I’m either fully in, or not there at all.
for the business. Does this award cor-
For me, success happens when I have
respond to your vision of the business
an opportunity to work with an excel
role you hold? What is your recipe
lent and ambitious team, just like the one
for success?
I cooperate with at the moment. During
Marek Szul, Lionbridge Poland:
our work, every person has a very impor
Success was never an end in itself to
tant role: not only the leaders, but also
me, but without any doubt, I can say I’m
the analysts, and finally those who
really passionate about my work. I have
actually do the job. So, it all starts with
a deep-rooted working methodology,
a carefully selected, diversified struc
which says that once I find an interest
ture that facilitates top performance
ing idea, I simply do my best to put it into
under the supervision of an individual
action. In my book, anything’s possible
who motivates, communicates, sparks
and, apart from the knowledge, the only
new ideas, leads employees towards
For me, success happens when I have an opportunity to work with an excellent and ambitious team, just like the one I cooperate with at the moment. During our work, every person has a very important role: not only the leaders, but also the analysts, and finally those who actually do the job.
At the 2022 Outsourcing Stars Gala organized by Pro Progressio Marek Szul was awarded the title of the Manager of the Year. Every year, this title is granted to an extraordinary person who has multi dimensional, significant impact on developing modern services for the business.
32
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
action and, last but not least, celebrates
annual or quarterly financial reports –
companies, we are trying to find a bal
the successes of the team. Honest and
and all other things. We also perform lin
ance between our needs and our means.
open approach based on trust, faith in
guistic testing, which ensures the correct
We manage our business in a way that
what we do, engagement and the abi
ness of the translation, as well as func
is flexible and agile. We have five Global
lity to motivate the team members are
tional testing, whose aim is to make sure
Delivery Centers located in a few differ
the basis for the effective teamwork,
that the localized websites, applications
ent time zones, and we plan our pro
which, in my opinion, is the one and only
and video games work properly.
cesses in line with the “follow the sun”
way to success.
As we’re talking about bridges,
rule, making sure that we make good
I would like to mention one of our more
use of all the talents spread across our
The mission of Lionbridge, the com-
interesting services: OPI (Over the Phone
offices. The portfolio of our services is
pany that you manage in Poland, is:
Interpretation), which stands for simulta
very broad. Throughout the years, our
“Breaking barriers. Building bridges”.
neous interpreting performed remotely,
offices reached high levels of specializa
How precisely do you build those
over the phone. This service is often used
tion, but in the ever changing universe,
bridges for a client who comes to you
by various public institutions and offices.
a level of redundancy as well as DRP
and asks for your help?
The need for this type of support is on
(Disaster Recovery Plan) and BCP (Busi
In a nutshell, what we do is glo
the increase especially now, when local
ness Continuity Planning) procedures
balize, localize and translate. We assist
authorities have to assist great num
are indispensable.
our clients in being understood and
bers of Ukrainian refugees who don’t
well-received on their target markets. For
always speak any of the languages used
Lionbridge has about 20 worldwide loca-
example, when one of our clients would
at a particular location. In such cases,
tions. What is the role of the Polish office
like to enter the Asian market and needs
we can offer an over the phone conver
in the global structure of the company?
to have their website translated into one
sation between the three parties: the cus
Among our 20 offices in the world,
of local languages, we offer them a com
tomer, the clerk and the translator, which
the GDC tasks are located in the previo
plete package, which means that the con
ensures that all procedures run smoothly
usly mentioned five of them, while
tent provided by us is fully adjusted to
and in a way that is the most convenient
the Warsaw office is our second largest
the specifics of the market. In essence,
to the foreigner.
unit. Due to our geographical location and the time zone, we focus on operations for
What we do is globalize, localize and translate. We assist our clients in being understood and well-received on their target markets. We build cross-cultural bridges by way of offering fully functional translations produced by native speakers of the target language.
the European clients and we cooperate closely with our office in Mumbai. A large client group that we work for along with our colleagues from India and Costa Rica, are the U.S. clients, mostly from the West Coast. In many cases, our Warsaw employees monitor and control the production processes, and they send
we build cross-cultural bridges by way
Whereas on the level of our inter
updates and status reports to our collea
of offering fully functional translations
nal operations, we’ve built and we’re still
gues from Project Management Offices
produced by native speakers of the tar
building bridges between our depart
located on different continents.
get language.
ments in order to enable more efficient
And vice versa: as part of our glo
performance of our business tasks, all
Which core processes are you currently
balization efforts, we produce commu
the while making the most of our assets
focusing on? What is your greatest chal-
nication that allows the local or regional
and competences.
lenge at the moment?
the very definition of our operations, but
For quite some time now, we’ve been
related to our core operations, i.e.,
that’s not all: we also know what strategy
navigating a reality in which the only
translation, localization and globaliza
is the most suitable for each of the sectors
constant is change. With all this in
tion. Apart from these activities, each
and industries we specialize in. A good
mind, does your company perceive
center specializes in certain industries
example would be the Life Sciences
the Polish market as a good place to
and types of services. In the past few
industry, including pharmacy, which
run its operations?
years, our Warsaw department for lin
entities to go global. We build bridges by
Each GDC performs similar tasks
often is regulated by complex laws, such
Poland still remains a stable mar
guistic testing of applications and video
local requirements as for the drug label
ket, despite its current challenges. Sky
games has grown immensely, and as at
ling, and many other rules and regula
rocketing inflation, concerns related to
today, we employ more than 1,000 peo
tions. Hence, the industry knowledge is of
the economic growth and rising remuner
ple who perform testing and other types
key importance here. The same is true for
ation levels as we’re struggling to keep up
of tasks related to our video game opera
preparing all documentation, manuals, as
with the western countries create numer
tions. Importantly, the time of the global
well organizational communications and
ous challenges for us, but just like other
pandemic has proved to our clients that
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
33
MAIN INTERVIEW
remote work may be no less effective.
We all should act in line with
In a manner of speaking, the Covid virus
the rules of social responsibility, both
accelerated some changes in our indus
private individuals and corporate enti
try. In the middle of 2021, we launched
ties. We would like to support the bee
a global Multimedia Hub structure at
keepers, whose median age is still rela
Lionbridge, of which the Warsaw office
tively high. Our goal is to encourage
is a key component. In the past few
larger numbers of people to perpetu
years, we’ve been receiving increasing
ate these beekeeping traditions. Bees
numbers of inquiries about transla
reside in the same environment as we
tions, multimedia content localization,
do, which is constantly changing, and
as well as supporting live events with
obviously we, humans, do not always
our services related to simultaneous
change things for the better. Lives of bees
interpreting, transcription and audio
in an increasingly human-dominated
or video accessibility captioning. High
world are becoming more and more diffi
expectations in terms of TATs and qua
cult. As socially responsible humans, we
lity of the provided services require that
have a duty to help them out. If we have
human efforts are assisted by the latest
no time or possibility to take care of bee
technologies and AI. This is precisely
families ourselves, we encourage com
what we’ve been doing lately, engaging
panies and institutions to actively sup
our worldwide AI, Engineering, Tech
port the beekeepers through adoption of
nology Solution and R&D departments.
bee families who are taken care of by our dear beekeepers in their natural habitats.
Let’s leave advanced technologies
Apart from the satisfaction, joy and cer
for a moment and move to the world
tificates, these entities and their employ
of winged insects. It’s really impres-
ees receive also various bees’ goods and
sive to see how easily you manage to
a great deal of knowledge, stories, work
combine your business role with your
shops and training from our seniors.
participation in the BeeHappy initia-
The beekeeping community gladly
tive, whose aim is to protect bees and
and eagerly adopts new members who
to promote beekeeping. How does
are willing to learn their craft and per
a businessperson like you come up
petuate their traditions. I met plenty of
with such an idea and what are your
amazing people who helped me to take
achievements in this field so far?
the initial steps, and today we have over
Unfortunately, there are only
20 families taking care of bees. I would
24 hours in a day, and seven days in
like to make sure that the daily efforts of
a week. This is why not all the initia
those people are seen and appreciated,
tives advance in a pace that I’d like them
because what it’s all about is not honey,
to. Nonetheless, I am glad that this pro
but rather the protection of our dear
ject keeps growing. We would like that
winged creatures.
more and more people become aware
I am truly passionate about the life
of the important role that bees play
of bees, which is a subject of a number of
in our everyday lives. We encourage
scientific studies. I envision a synergy of
everyone around us to help us improve
the knowledge, tradition and experience
the living conditions of bees, support
of our beekeepers with new technologies,
them in every possible way, while at
including AI, which would be useful to
the same time reducing the amounts
future generations of bee lovers.
Bees reside in the same environment as we do, which is constantly changing, and obviously we, humans, do not always change things for the better. Lives of bees in an increasingly human-dominated world are becoming more and more difficult. As socially responsible humans, we have a duty to help them out.
of chemicals used and replacing them
34
with solutions that are environmen
How can one convince people – both
tally friendly. I would be delighted to see
privately and on an organizational
a greater engagement here on the part
level – to join the initiatives for the pro-
of our entire industry, which gathers
tection of bees?
huge numbers of young people, who
It is best to start with oneself and
happen to have significant impact on
lead by example, even in the area of
the environment.
our daily activities, such as striving for
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
a cleaner environment, protecting nature from deterioration, recycling waste and being socially responsible, both for one self and for others. We should also try our best to reduce the amount of chemi cal agents used in our households and choose more ecological cleaning and beauty products. Let’s keep in mind that plants, gar dens, flowerbeds, green terraces, balco nies and natural lawns are places that are useful to bees. Instead of perfectly trimmed and chemically aided grassplots, let’s try to introduce natural, naturally fertilized, meadow-like lawns in our cities and near our houses. Let’s support local honey producers, who in these hard times devote a lot of their time and finan cial means to take good care of their beloved winged creatures. Let’s buy their products because they are the ones who help us achieve balance between the industrial the natural animal farm ing, including beekeeping. We should educate children and encourage young people to join the envi ronmental initiatives. We can see how great results brings the exchange of knowledge between the experienced senior beekeepers, who during the meetings with the younger generations are will ing to share their wonderful wisdom and advice, which may be useful also in everyday life. When it comes to the corporate level of such activities – at Lionbridge, for the past two years we've been meeting for a coffee on our green balconies and terraces. Our employees not only under take pro-environmental volunteer work, but they also engage in physical farming of plants, including melliferous herbs and perennials. I’m proud to say that last year, I personally sowed 1 ha of buckwheat, and more than 5 ha of phacelia. The bees’ appetites are growing, and so is mine, therefore I am happy to be able to share my passion with others – both people my age and young beginners.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
35
MAIN INTERVIEW
I envision a synergy of the knowledge, tradition and experience of our beekeepers with new technologies, including AI, which would be useful to future generations of bee lovers.
36
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
But that’s not all. You often mention
initiative, where two-generation Eco
the elderly community which holds
Teams (a senior and a young volunteer)
a special place in your life. What bridges
grow herbs together in modern planters.
do you build with the Eco Senior fund?
We educate the elderly and their families
Ecology and the elderly people
– we challenge the traditional ideas about
– that sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
the old age. We are working towards
The Eco Senior fund, of which I am one
launching a senior personal trainer pro
of the founder members, was created out
ject, which will be based on educational
of the need to connect interests, passion,
programs created following all the expe
modern trends and ecological education.
riences gathered by us so far.
It’s also the outcome of the experiences
These are just a few examples of
gained through many projects executed
what we do. Each of our projects is a bridge
with the elderly in the previous years.
in one sense or another – we bring toge-
We act mostly in smaller towns, where
ther different generations, we show
the depopulation trend is more visible,
that retirement can be a great period of
though it slowed down recently due to
life, we challenge the stereotypes about
the pandemic.
the elderly. We’re working on a num
In any case, it’s plain to see that in
ber of exciting projects, and for sure in
such places there’s rarely any organized
the nearest future you will hear about
activity for the senior residents, who, ha
the Eco Senior fund again. Everybody’s
ving retired, oftentimes stay at home all
welcome to join us – after all, we’re all
days with nothing to do. Not to mention
going to retire someday, and it is up to
the fact that, as a rule, it is not easy to gain
us to create a greater future for ourselves
these people’s trust and to build the ini
and for others.
tial bridge with them. Elderly people often think that their best years have
It is hard to find a more convincing in
already passed, and if someone shows
centive to join such beneficial activities.
intetest in them, it is because they want
Thank you very much for the inspiring
to sell them a set of bedsheets or kitchen
conversation.
Our goals are clear: we act against exclusion, we integrate elderly communities and center them around various undertakings. We educate the elderly and their families – we challenge the traditional ideas about the old age.
ware. We don’t consent to the retire ment spent in front of a TV, though. The elderly have so much to offer, and we can learn a lot from them, all the while supporting them in many ways. Once again, we work on a multigenerational team here, and the results are awesome. We already gathered more than 300 active elderly people whom we encou raged to take up their passions, invest in personal growth, socialize on a more regular basis, and spend their time in more interesting ways. These people are amazing – their openness and sense of humor simply leave us jaw dropped. Some of our most fantastic ambassadors were well over 70 at the time we started our cooperation, and before they met us, they had hardly ever left their homes at all. Now they are active, visiting new places, using the Internet, smartphones and social media, and they are connecting us to even more elderly people, which is great. Our goals are clear: we act against exclusion, we integrate elderly commu nities and center them around various undertakings, such as Cud, Miód, Senior (jarring honey), or Eco Senior herb box
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
37
INVESTMENT NEWS TRYTON BUSINESS HOUSE FULL OF TENANTS
COREES POLSKA AS AN ADVISOR IN THE SALE OF INDUSTRIAL AND WAREHOUSE REAL ESTATE
Globalworth, the owner and manager of
district on the site of the former shipyards
Tryton Business House in Gdańsk, has
with good transportation connections
Corees Polska carried out the process of
prolonged a number of lease contracts
and high-quality office space. In the near
valuation and sale of industrial and ware
with tenants including EY, Eltel Networks,
future, we are also planning such things
house real estate in Bielsko-Biała, belong
UPC and PGS Software for a total area
as to renovate the common areas – says
ing to the portfolio of its client – a leading
of 3,600 sqm. The office complex is also
Maciej Gołębiewski, Asset Management
global technology company ABB.
undergoing a metamorphosis to make it
& Leasing Director at Globalworth Poland.
The amount of the real estate sale
It is not going to end with just
transaction, as well as the buyer himself,
even more modern and comfortable. Globalworth’s Gdańsk properties
visual changes, Tryton Business House
are confidential at the moment. The buyer
are much appreciated by their tenants.
is also going to be enriched with fur
was represented in the process by attor
Over the last few months, EY (547 sqm),
ther facilities. In March, Elocity electric
ney Grzegorz Pacek, partner at the law
Eltel Networks (1,029 sqm), UPC
vehicle charging stations were installed
firm Marek Płonka i Wspólnicy Sp. K.
(166 sqm) and PGS Software (1,878 sqm)
in the building as well as E-ON electric
ABB is a leading global technology
have all prolonged their leases.
bicycle and scooter stations. It is also
company that drives the transformation
– Tenants appreciate our manager/
planned for tenants to receive a dedi
of economies and societies, building their
owner business model, which means that
cated Globalworth app, with which their
future efficiently and sustainably. Inte
they can work with the owner of the build
employees will have touchless entry to
grating electrification, robotics, automa
ing on every level and at every stage of
their offices, and will be able to call lifts
tion, and drive systems products with
the contract. To this can be added a superb
with their smartphones, lift the barriers
digital solutions sets new technology
location in the centre of Gdańsk next to
to the car park, book conference rooms
standards. The company employs appro
the Old Town and a rapidly developing new
and reserve parking spaces.
ximately 110 thousand employees in over 100 countries. ABB conducts a full range of business activities in Poland, hiring more than 5,000 people. – As we wanted to finalize the trans action by the end of 2021, the broker was subject to a lot of time pressure. Despite this, the entire process was carried out very efficiently and with the utmost care – says Janusz Machnicki, Real Estate Direc tor at Hub Polska, ABB Sp. z o.o. – As part of cooperation with ABB, Corees prepared the property for sale by preparing an information package sent to a group of selected investors. During the marketing of the property, inspections were made with potential buyers, techni cal parameters, availability of power to the building, technical and legal condi tion were verified. After the bid, ABB began the sale of the property to the highest bid der and thanks to cooperation with Corees, an efficient transfer of ownership, secur ing the continuity of utilities and trans fer of utilities was carried out to the new owner. Corees supported ABB and the new buyer at all stages of the process as well as provided after-sales support – sums up Łukasz Nelken-Żbik, RICS, Head of Valua tion at Corees Polska.
38
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
GENERATION PARK Y OFFICE BUILDING RECEIVES THE WELL GOLD CERTIFICATE The Generation Park Y skyscraper, deve
creativity. There is a 15-meter green
the largest transaction in the history
loped by Skanska in Warsaw's Wola dis
wall in the lobby of the office building
of Skanska's commercial development
trict and bought by HANSAINVEST Real
with over six thousand plants. The oxy
business unit in Central and Eastern
Assets, received the most important dis-
gen they produce daily would suffice for
Europe. It was also the largest purchase
tinction awarded to office spaces –
150 people.
in the office sector in this part of Europe
the WELL Core & Shell Gold certificate.
– Our strategy is to create ide
Solutions based on its requirements ensure
ally designed, well thought-out and user-
in 2021. The office building was designed
the safety and comfort of office users.
friendly office buildings that provide
and built in accordance with the ESG
The WELL Building Standard is
the best conditions for work. We focus
principles, focusing on environmen
a certification system developed by
on the comfort, well-being and health of
tal and social aspects. In addition to
the International WELL Building Institute,
the tenants. We also use sustainable solu
the WELL Gold certificate, the building
which measures the quality of office space
tions that reduce the environmental impact
also has other certificates, such as LEED
by assessing over 100 building parame
of our buildings. The certificates we receive
Platinum and the WELL Health-Safety
ters. WELL takes into account not only
– such as WELL Gold, are the best confir
Rating. All certificates were obtained as
the design or issues related to the use of
mation that our approach is effective. They
part of Core & Shell. The office building
the office building itself, but also how it
are also recognized by business partners
is also applying for the Building without
affects human behavior and health.
and investors – says Rafał Stoparczyk,
Barriers accessibility certificate.
The certification process assesses such matters as access to fresh, clean air,
Project Director at Skanska’s commercial development business unit in CEE.
Generation Park Y greatly reflects Skanska's approach to creating healthy
good water quality, adequate interior
Generation Park Y is a 38-storey
and sustainable workspaces. Thanks
lighting, and acoustics. Tools, technolo
building with a height of 140 meters,
to innovative solutions, such as ener
gies and solutions that affect the mental
crowning the largest Skanska office
gy-saving devices or the grey and rain
and physical well-being of employees are
complex in Warsaw. Its entire office
water recovery system, Generation Park
also assessed.
space was leased by PZU as the compa
Y tenants use fewer resources. The office
– We develop all our buildings in
ny's headquarters. In December 2021,
building uses only energy produced
accordance with the proven principles of
the building was bought by HANSAIN
from renewable sources. A quarter of
sustainable development. First, we work
VEST Real Assets. The value of the trans
the materials used to build Generation
out project details, and then, thanks
action was EUR 285 million, making it
Park Y contain recycled components.
to the WELL certification, we can veri f y whether we achieved what we had planned. This makes us certain that our buildings will be of absolute top quality – says Monika Chacińska, Environmental Expert at Skanska’s commercial devel opment business unit in CEE. Generation Park Y is equipped with a ventilation system with high-class fil ters that provides 30% more fresh air. Adiabatic humidifiers ensure proper humidity. Filters trap pollen and fungus spores that cause allergies. Air condition ing using a chilled beam system is silent and guarantees a comfortable tempera ture and energy efficiency. The water in the building will be tested for the presence of over 30 chemi cal compounds, which will allow it to be safely consumed from each tap installed in the building. Generation Park Y employees will also have adequate access to daylight. Issues affecting the well-being of employees are also very important in WELL certification. Subdued colors, natu ral materials from which the furnishings are made, a green terrace on the 35th floor or pergolas overgrown with vegetation facilitate concentration and stimulate
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
39
INVESTMENTS
Offices – From Workspace to Experience Space Text | Grzegorz Kmieciński
Over the past two years, we have learned to adapt to unforeseen scenarios. Many organizations are still contemplating how to ensure the well-being of their employees, and it is certain that these employee needs are evolving. They are often, if not mainly, the driving force for change, whether in terms of the benefits they are offered, the freedom to choose their work model, or even the shortening of the working week. After a period of prolonged lockdowns and hyper-optimism related to the options of full freedom in terms of remote work, there are voices and reflections that the office is not so bad after all.
According to a survey conducted last
body language or intonation can lead to
On the one hand, organizations re-
August by international job site Indeed.
misunderstandings. In the era of video
main in the traditional model – offering
com, there are five elements of working
conferencing, there is also an oversatu
their employees classic office spaces, and
in an office that people missed most when
ration of this form of work.
flexible formats understood as both co
• 37% miss the daily routine of going to
working spaces and serviced offices. Hence
• 73% miss the personal connection.
the office. Working remotely creates
the development of coworking networks
Before the pandemic, most workers
a significant change in routine. While
is observed not only in larger cities.
spent half of their day at work inter
this may have its benefits for some –
acting socially in various ways, inclu
such as the ability to work from the com
ding participating in spontaneous con
fort of home and the added flexibility of
versations that are difficult to repli
managing others' schedules at home – it
cate virtually.
can be difficult to recreate the daily rou
working remotely:
• 64% are less distracted working in
tine of going to work if you're not physi
the office than at home. A bustling office
cally anywhere. Having two different
with lots of people can be distracting
locations and hours for work and home
for some, but for others, home can be
(and, well, everything else) makes it eas
even more disruptive – whether it's due
ier to separate each day.
to children, pets, neighbors or a noisy neighborhood.
Management, HR, departments in order to cope with the changing expecta
The second format, which is the basis of activity, is conducting business in the remote model.
• 50% miss the commute – also understood
tions of employees have been indirectly
At this point, the possibility of
as a daily routine during the daily com
forced to work hard conceptually. And
remote work is no longer just an option
mute (a phone call to family members,
all this to find the golden mean to ensure
– but often a requirement. Some compa
a favorite radio show or a quick break
optimal conditions conducive to the work
nies relying on this model – either com
fast break). The research was conducted
and efficiency of employees.
pletely eliminated the office space, or
in the United States, where the average
Some of the organizations have also
enabled them to hire more employees –
commute time was about 26.6 min. At
used this time to change their assump
also in markets that until now were out
the moment the concept of 15-minute
tions about the format of their operations,
side their zone of possibilities.
cities is popular, where the average com
used office space, number of branches.
mute to work, or key places for us – is just
The last type of Hub&spoke – combines the advantages of the traditional
HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED THE OFFICE MARKET?
and remote model. Organizations allow
co-workers. Videoconferencing plat
After a certain period of slowdown, three
space, as well as allow their emplo
forms enable communication, however
main trends are noticeable.
yees to use flexible space in coworking
a quarter of an hour. • 45% miss personal meetings with their
the lack of direct relations, reading of
40
Some of the organizations have used pandemic time to change their assumptions about the format of their operations, used office space, number of branches.
employees to use both traditional office
spaces located in the same city, but also
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
For a certain group of employees, it is important to stay in dedicated office spaces designed with them in mind. Hence, some organizations are not staying on flexible spaces, leaving part of the lease in its classic form. This makes it possible to design the space in accordance with the ele ments that transmit the mission and ideas of the organization. There is also an emerging trend of changing building policies. It results from expectations of leaseholders themselves, who are more and more aware of energy or ecological responsibility and influence of their choices on the natural environ in locations distributed almost around the globe. Hub&spoke is a workplace-based app roach where activity is at the core. It used to be that the entire com pany was in one location, but now, espe cially after changes in the organization, the work format is dispersed. For exam ple, you stay at home if you need to pre pare a report; you go to headquarters to work with your team; you go to a satellite office near your home to do other activities that require access to office infrastructure that is difficult to provide at home.
FLEXIBILITY IN A NEW FORMAT We have become accustomed to being and responding flexibly to changing con ditions. We've also learned what we don't want. What we would like to change.
ment. Buildings are chosen which are
Hub&spoke combines the advantages of the traditional and remote model. Organizations allow employees to use both traditional office space, as well as allow their employees to use flexible space in coworking spaces located in the same city, but also in locations distributed almost around the globe.
able to guarantee its employees not only space to work, but also carry values with which one can identify.
PEOPLE FIRST – THAN PLACES At this point, it is not the ideas, but the employees, that are the key element of any smoothly running organization. And they are the key to maintaining, sup porting or growing it. And for it to work – you need to provide them with the necessary elements to work. That is why it is so important to manage and enable employees to achieve their overarching goals – while providing them with the tools they need to work. Once again, it is worth emphas izing
Not everyone is comfortable working
that noticing and taking into account
remotely. There are growing voices about
the needs and expectations of employees
the need to establish interpersonal rela
towards the employer both from a func tional, social, cultural and emotional per
tionships and redefine the purpose and Defining the needs of employees by
spective is becoming crucial. By placing
Organizations, depending on the pos
organizations translates into more and
openness to a multifaceted freedom of
sibilities, give the option to work from
more frequent questions about the possi
choice for the employee at the center,
home, from coworking, from the office,
bility of implementing multidimensional
we reach the point where we are able to
or even from the office space of the cli
projects, focusing mainly on cooperation,
answer questions about the ideal work
ent for whom they implement projects.
co-creation – combining the formal func
model for the entire organization and
tions, as well as those more partner-like,
the way its structures function, inclu
or social.
ding office space.
format of offices themselves.
More and more people will come to them to collaborate, meet with their team, build project groups, initiatives, or exchange their knowledge and experience. Companies rely on project spaces, collaboration rooms, spaces for creative processes, networking and brainstorming. The typical open space is becoming a space for coexistence and meeting
Author Grzegorz Kmieciński
Director, Tenant Representation, Corees Polska Commercial Real Estate
– an alternative to impersonal teleconferences.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
41
INVESTMENTS
An analysis of the office market in a shifting landscape: availability and occupier demand Text | Jan Szulborski
At the end of 2021, Poland’s total office stock stood at 12.2 million sq m, having grown by approximately 1.25 million sq m in 2020-2021. The Polish office market comprises Warsaw and eight regional cities: Krakow, Wrocław, Tricity, Katowice, Poznań, Łódź, Lublin and Szczecin. With over 50% of the nation’s total stock concentrated in the capital city, Warsaw is the largest office market in Poland. The biggest regional city office markets include Krakow (13%), Wrocław (10%) and Tricity (8%).
42
In March 2020, the Polish office market
ARE WE AT RISK OF AN UNDERSUPPLY?
time thanks to high pre-let levels. Due to
found itself at the epicentre of changes
At the end of 2019, Poland’s office devel
economic uncertainty and the more sub
spurred by the coronavirus pandemic,
opment pipeline comprised 89 projects
dued demand for office space as tenants
successive lockdowns and the rise of
with a combined area of 1.6 million sq
temporarily shelved expansion plans,
remote working. These factors impacted
m, most of which were under construc
new projects planned for 2020-2021 were
Warsaw and regional cities alike. The ex
tion in Warsaw (28 projects), Krakow (13),
mothballed, which in the longer term will
tent of the impact, however, varied from
Tricity (15), Łódź (10) and Katowice (10).
result in an undersupply in 2023-2025.
market to market and largely depended
Of that total, more than 68% are projects
The number of projects breaking
on the growth phase of each at the out
sized over 10,000 sq m. The volume of
ground has fallen since 2019. At the end
break of the COVID-19 pandemic.
space under construction was in line with
of 2021, the development pipeline in
the historically high demand for office
the largest Polish cities stood at 980,000
WARSAW AND REGIONAL CITIES
space and the continued influx of invest
sq m of office space which was schedu
Warsaw saw a record level of occupier
ments into the business services sector
led for completion in 2021–2024. Cush
demand in 2019 with over 877,000 sq m of
in Poland.
man & Wakefield estimates that 2022’s
office transactions – the highest result in
The first case of COVID-19 in Poland
new office supply will amount to 750,000
its history. Meanwhile, supply constraints
was reported in March 2020 and the coun-
sq m. However, given the turnaround
in 2018-2019 pushed the capital’s vacancy
try soon went into its first lockdown,
times of office projects, a substantial
rate down to 7.8% in Q4 2019, its lowest
which had a significant ripple effect on
proportion of developments underway
since 2012.
the growth of its office market.
were commenced in the pre-pandemic
Regional city office markets repor
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted
ted strong growth in the last decade, with
the supply side of the office market in
environment. Cushman & Wakefield forecasts that
some markets more than doubling or even
two time frames. In the short term, no
new office completions in 2023 will pro
quadrupling in size. Interestingly, the total
legislation that could have delayed con
vide approximately 180,000 sq m, which
office stock in Krakow and Wrocław sur
struction works was introduced during
will represent a significant fall in sup
passed the one million square metre mark
the first national lockdown. However,
ply. The weaker supply will result from
in under ten years and amounted to 1.4
completion of some projects was pushed
adjusting the number of new projects to
and 1.2 million sq m at the end of 2019,
back from the second to the third quar
the current demand level and the growth
respectively. The rapid growth in supply
ter of 2020 due to protracted administra
in construction, energy and labour costs,
in the regional city office markets was
tive procedures, limited labour availa
which accelerated further following Rus
fuelled by more and more office space
bility and potential disruptions to supply
sia’s invasion of Ukraine in February
requirements coming from the business
chains. Having said that, most projects
2022. According to estimates from Cush
services sector, which is the main driver
scheduled for delivery in the second half
man & Wakefield, the tight development
of demand in regional cities.
of 2020 and in 2021 were completed on
pipeline is likely to persist until 2025.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
demand has not offset absorption whose current decline illustrates cuts and deci sions made during the hardest period of the pandemic. Additionally, due to rising office construction and fit-outs costs, new leases tend to be made for 7-10 years rather than the typical five years to allow for depreciation of the higher spend.
THE PROSPECT OF HIGHER ASKING RENTS The pandemic has also solidified the hybrid work model, especially among the largest office users, driving further the evolution of an optimal work model which is being increasingly suited to the type of work performed – not only within separate sectors but also within each organisation. This – depending on decisions taken – will either increase or decrease demand for currently used office space. Office rents have remained relatively stable for the last 24 months, both The high levels of new supply
sublease or short-term lease renewals in
in Warsaw and in regional cities. The out
in 2020-2021 and the muted demand
exchange for additional financial incen
break of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed
since the onset of the pandemic pushed
tives from landlords. As a result, rege
Poland’s inflation to new highs, with
the overall vacancy rate up to 13.4% at
aring and renewals accounted for a large
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerba
the end of Q4 2021, an increase of 4.5 pp
share of office take-up both in 2020 and in
ting the negative impact of the rising
on 2019, with this growth varying by
2021 compared to pre-pandemic.
inflation rate on the Polish economy.
market and impacted by the volume of
Despite ongoing uncertainties,
High inflation will push up the costs of
new completions scheduled for delivery
leasing activity in 2021 improved by 5%
new projects for both developers and
in the last 24 months in each market,
over 2020. As expected, the Polish office
investors. Rising costs are very likely
pre-let levels and occupier demand for
market bounced back in the second half
to translate into higher asking rents in
office space.
of 2021 following a drop in occupational
the coming months, particularly in new office projects.
At the end of 2019, Poland’s office development pipeline comprised 89 projects with a combined area of 1.6 million sq m, most of which were under construction in Warsaw (28 projects), Krakow (13), Tricity (15), Łódź (10) and Katowice (10).
To sum up, business hates uncer tainty and the office market is relatively highly susceptible to changing macroeco nomic indicators. Nevertheless, the cau tious recovery in office demand and the low level of new supply in the next three years will allow for a gradual absorption of available office space both
CAUTIOUS TENANTS
activity in 2020. However, it has not
in Warsaw and in the regional city office
In 2020, occupier transactions in Poland’s
recovered to pre-pandemic levels yet.
markets, as well as a gradual return to
nine core office markets totalled 1.18 mil
The dwindling supply has not fully off
a healthy balance between supply and
lion sq m, down by 24% on 2019. How
set rising vacancy rates and the growth in
demand.
ever, it is worth noting that 2019 was a record year in terms of office take-up and preliminary forecasts predicted
Author
even a twofold decrease in leasing volu mes as in the second half of 2020 we saw very cautious activity among tenants with regard to making long-term com
Jan Szulborski | Senior Consultant,
Consulting & Research, Cushman & Wakefield
mitments, attempts to downsize offices through marketing some space for
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
43
INVESTMENTS
ESG – a revolution that will change the real estate industry Text | Agnieszka Wójcicka
Issues related to ESG, i.e. the assessment of investments in terms of care for the environment (E), social responsibility (S) and corporate governance (G), are changing in front of our eyes from the phase characteristic of early development and testing, into a permanent trend that will be in the coming years one of the main factors influencing changes in the real estate market.
Not by accident, in 2021, Blackstone Group,
the building (e.g. production and trans
In order to change the general as
one of the largest investment funds in
port of building materials and related to
sumptions, European legislation was
the global real estate market, announced
the construction process).
created, including NFRD (Non-financial
that it expects all companies to submit ESG
These numbers indicate that we are
Reporting Directive) and SFDR (Sustaina
reports. The same entity also announced
not dealing with a marginal pheno
ble Finance Disclosure Regulation) on dis
a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions in all
menon, but with almost revolutionary
closure of non-financial data by compa
its new investments in 2020. According to
changes that will soon begin to define
nies regarding ESG aspects. Additionally,
the International Team on Climate Change
the entire real estate industry. As Deloitte
in order to counteract the phenomenon
(IPCC), the construction sector is respon
rightly points out in the study – ESG Real
of "green-washing", the investment will
sible for 38% of global CO 2 emissions
Estate Insights 2021: "The emergence of
be verified in terms of compliance with
(39% according to Data Sources Global
global mega-trends, understood as large-
the so-called Taxonomy, i.e. a legal act of
ABC Global Status Report 2018, EIA).
scale social, economic and environmen
the European Union of 18 June 2020 esta-
The carbon footprint of a building can be
tal changes, often with a high impact, will
blishing a framework to facilitate sustain
divided into two components: the opera
require the real estate sector to revise its
able investments.
tional carbon footprint (i.e. energy used
approach to sustainable development".
Investors who have been dealing
for the efficient functioning of buildings)
The main assumptions of the Paris
with sustainable development for years
and the built-in carbon footprint, i.e.
Agreement and the European Green Deal
by certifying their investments in BREEAM /
emissions related to the construction of
is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LEED schemes will have a partially easier task of transformation, as a certain group of Taxonomy criteria is consistent
ANNUAL GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS IN PERCENT
with the assumptions of multi-criteria certification.
Construction and production of building materials (including carbon footprint 11%
White Star Real Estate received its first BREEAM certificate for the design
Transport 23%
stage in 2011 for The Park Warsaw – Building B1, which was confirmed by the final certificate in 2013 with an Excel lent rating. For several years, multi-criteria certification has become a standard on the office market, while warehouse
Use of buildings (operational carbon footprint)
28%
investments have been overlooked in the past. Currently, most developers of
Industry and others 38%
warehouse space certify their new invest ments. White Star Real Estate received the first interim certificate in the BREEAM Europe 2009 system for the M1 ware house of the Diamond Business Park
44
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Ursus investment in 2013 together with
(corporate governance) that are indi
Sweco Polska (then Grontmij Polska).
cated as those that may affect the com
Ultimately, the entire Diamond Business
petitive advantage of individual entities
Park Ursus warehouse park is certified
and investments.
at the Very Good level.
Today, the legislation introduced
Currently, over 80% of the net leased
in the field of ESG clearly indicates
space in the White Star Real Estate port
that there is no other direction for
folio is BREEAM certified.
the real estate industry than a respon
It’s important to remember that
sible approach to construction, which is
environmental data is measurable, which
both concern for ecology and sustaina
makes it easier to collect and report. On
ble development of the entire business.
the other hand, social and governance
The introduction of similar regulations
indicators that also make up ESG strat
and their implementation by investors
egies are more declarative, which often
will only accelerate the spread of such
makes reporting difficult. At the same
solutions in Poland to the benefit of
time, it is the activities in line with
the entire industry and its perception by
the subject matter of S (society) and G
the market environment.
Author Agnieszka Wójcicka | Sustainability Manager
and BREEAM Coordinator, White Star Real Estate
The Park Warsaw.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
45
INVESTMENTS
International House Vilnius: Soft Landing for International Talent Text | Agnė Camara
Relocating to a new country can be daunting. Navigating migration paperwork, finding a place to stay, sorting out health and social insurance – there is so much to do when settling in your new home. Even the most prepared newcomers can find themselves puzzled at times. And they should not be left to figure everything out on their own.
The recently established International
That is how International House
All consultations and services are
House Vilnius was set up to welcome
Vilnius was born. The centre is a joint
provided in English or Russian and are
international talent to the Lithuanian
initiative of Go Vilnius, the city’s tourism
free of charge. Appointments can be
capital and answer any queries they
and business development agency, and
made on the centre’s online registra
might have. From obtaining a residence
Work in Lithuania, a national talent
tion platform.
permit to discovering the local cultural
attraction program. Since its establish
Our vision for International House
scene, we are a one-point entry for all
ment in November 2021, International
Vilnius was an open, welcoming space
incoming specialists that choose to pur
House Vilnius has already assisted more
where specialists from abroad could
sue their careers in Lithuania.
than 5,000 foreign nationals with various
access public services without facing
relocation and integration challenges.
a language barrier or visiting the same
Making Vilnius an even more attractive career destination for inter national talent is among the primary goals of International House Vilnius. Recently, however, our experience in providing valuable and timely support to newcomers has also been put to use to help Ukrainian refugees integrate
Since its establishment in November 2021, International House Vilnius has already assisted more than 5,000 foreign nationals with various relocation and integration challenges.
in Lithuania.
46
International House Vilnius leve
offices multiple times. With the support
ALL RELOCATION AND INTEGRATION SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF
rages an extensive network of national
of Vilnius City Municipality, we brought
agencies, local organisations and experts
this vision to life, and we are ready to
International talent greatly complements
to ensure a smooth and easy relocation
make international talent feel at home
the local talent pool, playing a vital role
process. All in one place, a new arrival
in our city from day one.
in sustaining the economic growth of
can meet representatives of key Lithu
European countries. To encourage inter
anian public institutions, including
SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
national specialists to choose Lithua
the Migration Department, the State Tax
Since the early days of the war in Ukraine,
nia, there is a need to ensure accessible,
Inspectorate, the Employment Service,
Lithuania has mobilised its national
high-quality services that support their
and Vilnius City Municipality. Experts
institutions to support the Ukrainian
big move. Looking at the good practices
are on hand to sort out residence per
people. For Ukrainian refugees coming
of the Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Fin
mit or health insurance issues, consult
to Lithuania, International House Vilnius
land and Estonia all have similar centres),
on taxpayer obligations, register chil
launched a hotline to provide the latest
we began developing a one-stop service
dren in educational institutions, and
information on arriving to the country,
centre that helps international specialists
provide information on job opportuni
finding accomodation, receiving health
and their families navigate the ins and
ties or starting a business, among many
care services, and other matters. We have
outs of relocation.
other matters.
also organised a number of seminars for
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Photos: ŠVIESIAUTAMSIAU.
Ukrainians on topics such as obtaining
public transport, finding an English or
BeFriend will not only help Ukrainians
health insurance and finding a job in
Russian-speaking barber, or discovering
integrate into the city’s life, but also make
Lithuania. Our team has been able to use
the best places for dinner.
it easier to identify the pain-points of
its expertise in assisting foreing nationals
Experience shows that programs
to provide the urgent and necessary sup
that have locals answering foreigners’
foreigners settling in Vilnius. The idea of a mentorship program
port to Ukrainian refugees.
questions are particularly effective in
has been in our plans since the found ing of International House Vilnius. But
Experience shows that programs that have locals answering foreigners’ questions are particularly effective in facilitating faster and easier integration.
with a significant number of Ukrai nians arriving in Lithuania – more than 40,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the country the day I am writing this – the need for such assistance is particu larly high. That is why the first phase
To provide more personalised assis
facilitating faster and easier integration.
of the BeFriend program is designed to
tance, International House Vilnius has
BeFriend mentors give their Ukrainian
help the Ukrainian people who have fled
also launched BeFriend Vilnius, a men
mentees individual attention and time,
the war. Later down the line, we plan to
torship program aimed at helping Ukrai
which helps to build social bonds and
expand the program by offering it to all
nians integrate. The program has Vilnius
valuable connections. We hope that
foreigners residing in Vilnius.
residents act as volunteer mentors to newcomers, providing them with infor mation and advice on a 1-1 basis, either
Author
in person, online or by phone. BeFriend Vilnius mentors help new arrivals by guiding them to the right institutions to sort out relevant paperwork, but also by giving them day-to-day tips on using
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Agnė Camara Head of International House Vilnius
47
INVESTMENTS
2022 in Poznań marked by the development of real estate During the March MIPIM fair in Cannes, the City of Poznań promoted the offer of as many as 17 investment areas for sale. Both the commercial and residential real estate markets are developing very dynamically in Poznań, and more plots are awaiting upgrades.
For the first time since the beginning of
Poznań was placed 5 th. According to
concerned the sustainable planning of
the pandemic, the real estate and invest
experts from The Financial Times, it is
urban space. Besides the Mayor of
ment fair MIPIM in Cannes was held
the second most business-friendly city in
Poznań, representatives of Helsinki and
in a full format. It has lasted for 4 days
Europe in its category.
Gdynia (Anni Sinnemäki, vice-mayor
and gather ed around 20,000 partici
Moreover, Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak
pants from all over the world. During
took part in a discussion panel organi
of Helsinki, Katarzyna Gruszecka- -Spychała, vice-mayor of Gdynia) and
the event, Poznań got the fDI European
sed by Poland Today as part of the event
representatives of two real estate com
Cities and Regions of the Future 2022/23
"POLAND, EUROPE'S MOST RESILIENT
panies – the Danish developer NREP and
award, which was received by the Mayor
ECONOMY – a snapshot of the market
the American consulting agency Cush
of the City Jacek Jaśkowiak. In the gene
today & tomorrow", which gathered
man & Wakefield took part in it.
ral classification of medium-sized cities,
a full room of participants. The debate
Moreover, during the MIPIM fair, a special event was held at the symbolic Ukrainian stand, where representatives of Kyiv, Lviv, Kherson, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kharkiv were supposed to present their potential. The authorities of several European cities (including Riga, Vilnius, Madrid and Poznań) jointly expressed their support for the fighters in Ukraine and appealed to the governors to close the sky over Ukraine.
DIVERSIFIED OFFER FOR INVESTORS This year, the City of Poznań promoted 17 investment areas. We have already known that the property in Żegrze area was sold at the end of March as part of an unlimited oral tender. The offer of the City of Poznań – ten areas – is still dominated by real estate intended for multi-family housing and/or service development. We also offer new inves tors 3 properties with an exclusive ser vice function. One area is for industrial and service development. Another area is to be partly designated for industrial and service purposes and partly to be used City of Poznań's stand during the MIPIM 2022 fair in Cannes.
48
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
as parking lots. However, the property
A GREAT TIME FOR NEW PROJECTS
at Chojnicka street, offered for rent only,
At the stand of the City of Poznań, we also
are also underway in Jeżyce. The first
located in a wedge of greenery, may be
promoted the projects of our partners:
apartments in the Goplana estate, which
an interesting proposition for the tourism,
APP Projekt, Garvest, Skanska, Pekabex,
are being built by COLIAN DEVELOPER
recreation and sports sector. There are
Probuild, Vastint, WPIP and Wielkopol
on the premises of the former choco
new locations at Gąsiorowskich 6 street
ska Investment Support Center, as well
late factory, have already been put into
and Janickiego/ Św. Wawrzyńca streets.
as investment offers of the municipali
operation. The construction of the next
ties of the Poznań metropolis.
two buildings is to be completed in
– We a re v e r y p l e a s e d w i t h the course of this year's fair. The four days
Currently, the office real estate mar
of MIPIM were filled with meetings both
ket in Poznań covers over 620,000 sq m.
with new people and our long-term part
There is almost 62,000 sq m under constru-
ners. Thanks to the presence of deci
ction – the Andersia Silver office building
sion-makers, we held talks and arrange
on Andersa Square (Probuild) and the tal
ments at the highest level – sums up
lest building in the Nowy Rynek complex
Katja Lożina, Head of the Investor Rela
at Matyi street (Skanska) which are to be
tions Department.
put into service in 2024. Garvest is plan
Several interesting investments
2022 and 2023. In the neighbourhood,
ning two new Pixels at Grunwaldzka street, while Vastint is working on the pre-
Currently, the office real estate market in Poznań covers over 620,000 sq m. There is almost 62,000 sq m under construction.
mises of Stara Rzeźnia. Progress is also observed in the resi dential real estate market of Poznań. Thanks to the tram investment completed before the deadline, the areas at Unii Lubelskiej street have become very attractive for developers. The city is systema tically selling properties that will allow the creation of a modern housing estate in that area with easy access to the cen tre of Poznań.
Skanska is completing the construction of the Nowy Rynek complex in the very center of Poznań.
Preparatory works are underway in the Stara Rzeźnia complex in Poznań, which will include many functions: residential, office, cultural and restaurant.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
49
INVESTMENTS
A unique Garvest's project Perfumiarnia at Park Wilsona.
by the main artery in Jeżyce – Dąbrows
Portowo is one of the largest investments
Huggers' Brewery, which will include
kiego street, also in the post-industrial
planned by Vastint in the residential mar
a SPA and an intimate office space, as
area, new housing estates – Fama, FAMMA
ket in Poland. Ultimately, the entire pro
well as the Betonhaus, the oldest and
and Wieża – are being built. As a result,
ject will include 47 buildings with nearly
only existing fair pavilion in Wilson Park,
in the area of Dąbrowskiego, Kościelna,
1,800 apartments.
which will also be restored to its former
Niestachowska, Św. Wawrzyńca streets,
The unique investment of Garvest
glory. The project will be crowned by:
a modern residential district, Nowe Jeżyce,
– Perfumiarnia is also worth attention.
aparthotel "Focha 34" from Głogowska
will appear.
The project involves the construction of
street and a new tenement house in the place of warehouses from Śniadec
The city has a lot to offer not only to commercial space developers but also to investors from the residential sector. The current offer of municipal properties for sale is still available at www.poznan.pl/invest.
kich street. This year's MIPIM fair in Cannes confirms that there is a high interest in the real estate market of Poznań. The city has a lot to offer not only to commercial space developers but also to investors from the residential sector. The current
At the same time, Vastint has
140 apartments in 3 new buildings with
offer of municipal properties for sale is
received a building permit for the Portowo
a view of Wilson Park. The investment
still available at www.poznan.pl/invest.
estate, which will be located on the Warta
will be complemented, among others, by
Please contact us!
River, near the Starołęka roundabout.
the restored interiors of the 19th-century
More information Investor Relations Department | City of Poznań Za Bramką 1 Street, 61-842 Poznan Phone: +48 61 878 54 28, e-mail: inwestor@um.poznan.pl www.poznan.pl/invest
50
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
INVESTMENTS
Częstochowa – a 15-minute city Text | Anna Tymoshenko
The idea of Anne Hidalgo is beautiful. The concept of the 15-minute city announced in 2020 by the mayor of Paris, from the Work-Life Balance perspective, is not only the idea of a path to achieving balance in life. From the point of view of the inhabitants of Częstochowa, city located about 1,500 kilometers from Paris, it is even a necessity.
School, clinic, cafe, shop, work, park... and
– to a lesser extent – to their neighbour
which can be reached by car in about
maybe even a forest – all within a 15-mi
hoods. Częstochowa, despite being once
25 minutes. There are currently large-
nute walk or bike ride from the apart
a voivodeship city, is relatively compact,
scale investments in the city, moderni-
ment or house. In Częstochowa, it is not
and its location and area make it rela
zing the road system, public transport
only the urban trend. The city shows that
tively easy and quick to drive from one
and increasing the number of bicy
this idea is not a utopia but the reality of
end to the other.
cle paths. The provincial road No. 908
a large part of the inhabitants.
52
Częstochowa, the second-largest
within the city limits – Monte Cassino
It turns out that the coronavirus
city in the Silesian Voivodeship, with
street – and the DK46 road is being
pandemic and related travel restrictions
over 215,000 inhabitants, has a strategic
rebuilt, which is the entrance to Opole
contributed to the spread of the idea, not
location at the intersection of transport
and Wrocław, as well as access to the A1.
only to other cities in the world but also
routes and near the Pyrzowice airport,
The city started to renovate the heavily
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
loaded city fragments of DK-91, inclu
steelworks (today Liberty Steel Często
ding the construction of three non-col
chowa). Therefore, subcontractors'
lision intersections – flyovers. In previ
plants, housing estates, hospitals, kin
ous years, three integrated interchange
dergartens, schools, cinemas and sports
nodes have already been created, ena
clubs were built around the steelworks –
bling the combination of all public trans
this structure has been preserved to this
port available in the city with individual
day, which clearly shows that the idea
transport – about 50,000 students and
of a fifteen-minute city is nothing new
employ ees commute to Częstochowa
but rather a return to quite good and
every day to school and work. Trans
proven practices.
fer centres also contribute to the devel
A similar policy of social deve
opment and integration of the bicycle
lopment was pursued in Congress by
route system, which is currently about
the owners of large textile factories
76 kilometres in the city, and addition
located in the present city centre. Thanks
ally, Częstochowa is connected via paths
to this, flats for engineers were created
with other communes, not only Juras
that are still functioning today, sports
sic ones. Investments in communica
fields, tennis courts, Cultural Centers and
tion infrastructure are a priority. Within
clubs for residents. Most of these plants
Częstochowa is a good-to-live, peace-
a few dozen minutes drive from the cen
have left the pearls of industrial archi
ful city. Due to the increase in the wealth
tre of Częstochowa, we have access to
tecture ready for development, such as
of the inhabitants, the demand for new
over eight million inhabitants who
the 8 hectares of the former Elanex in
flats built to a high standard is still
can become our potential students and
the very centre of the city.
growing, although the largest district
employees of Częstochowa companies.
In the post-war Republic of Poland,
of the city can certainly be considered
In 2020, PLN 65 million was allocated to
Częstochowa did not depart from best
a phenomenon: the "North", which was
the modernization of Częstochowa roads.
practices and when new housing estates
shaped at the end of the 1970s, due to
It is certainly a phenomenon on a national scale because at a distance of 15 km from the Katowice Special Economic Zone we have ruins of medieval castles, Jurassic inselbergs, landscape parks, mineral water springs and recreational areas among pine forests.
the location, the number of greenery, schools, kindergartens, and commer cial facilities is still one of the most fre quently chosen locations by young peo ple. Although the district is dominated by blocks of concrete slabs, the advantages of the location and the 15 minutes rule (or rather less) work perfectly here. Another great advantage of Często
Today's Częstochowa was shaped
were built, they were not only bedrooms
chowa is its proximity to the beauti
around several dominants. The first one
for employees of numerous Częstochowa
ful Jurassic communes like Olsztyn,
is, of course, Jasna Góra, around which
plants. As the city grew to the north, it
Mstów, Mirów, Bobolice, Złoty Potok,
there are mainly districts of single-family
absorbed more orchards, fields, and even
Ostrężnik... It is certainly a phenome
houses. The monastery is also a dominant
a forest, which is still used by the inhab
non on a national scale because at a dis
feature in the planning and urban con
itants for recreation and relaxation.
tance of 15 km from the Katowice Special
text. In the south of the city, however,
Thanks to such measures, in each of
Economic Zone we have ruins of medie
the enormous influence of industry on
the new districts of Częstochowa, the resi
val castles, Jurassic inselbergs, landscape
the development of this part of the city
dent has at his disposal several kinder
parks, mineral water springs and recre
is noticeable. Since the nineteenth cen
gartens, several schools, a clinic, parks,
ational areas among pine forests, which
tury, the life of the entire district, and
squares with old trees, walking paths and
will satisfy anyone who wants to take
consequently also of the neighbouring
numerous shops.
a break from everyday duties.
districts, developed around the Hantke
Translation: Magdalena Wytrzymała
More information Investor Assistance Center Department of European Funds and Development | City Hall of Częstochowa Waszyngtona 5 Street, 42-217 Częstochowa Phone: +48 34 3707 212, +48 34 3707 213 e-mail: coi@czestochowa.um.gov.pl, fer@czestochowa.um.gov.pl www.czestochowa.pl
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
53
INVESTMENTS
Katowice – the city on top, the city on the podium
Stable and balanced development of every city would not be possible without an appropriate economic background created by enterprises from various sectors and industries which have a significant influence on the of the city's budgetary revenues size, the situation on the local labour market and the public image of the city both on the regional and national scale.
It is for these reasons that cities compete
an assessment was primarily the city's
in Cannes, in which the City of Katowice
with each other, trying to create the best
budget, which is moderately suscepti
actively participated.
possible conditions for economic growth,
ble to changes in the economic situation
The fact that Katowice is an unques-
encouraging investments, emphasising
thanks to, among others, the dominant
tionable leader among Polish agglome
all the attributes they possess which may
share of service industries in the struc
rations also in the quality life area, is
be important for potential investors. Mar
ture of the city's economy, in particular
clearly demonstrated by the annual
keting alone is not enough in all this, skil
the business services sector. The Ameri
ranking of People-Friendly Cities con
ful promotion of the city is of course very
can Fitch Ratings agency is one of the five
ducted in November 2021 by Forbes, in
important, but it can become an impor
most prestigious global rating agencies,
which the capital of Upper Silesia took
tant factor of building competitive advan
regularly publishing ratings of more
the 1st place! Katowice was the only city
tage only when it is confirmed in objec
than 5,700 financial institutions and 100
in Poland to exceed, in the overall assess
tive evaluations and rankings.
countries, including an assessment of
ment, the limit of 100 points. The lat
Interestingly, more and more inves
their creditworthiness. Thanks to main
est edition of the ranking was excep
tors pay attention not only to strictly
taining the rating at "A-" Katowice is per
tional in that for the first time the points
economic or business criteria of evalu
ceived as a reliable and trustworthy busi
were determined not only by ques
ating the investment attractiveness of
ness partner and the high rating confirms
tionnaire responses but also by objec
the city, but also to widely understood
the city's development potential in every
tive calculations of how much money
aspects of the quality of life, ecology or
area, especially in terms of investments,
the cities spend from their budgets on
simply the high quality of building rela
which also translates into an increasingly
areas that improve the residents' qua-
tions between the public and private
higher standard of living for its residents.
lity of life, such as security, housing
sector in implementing various eco nomic undertakings. Therefore, it is worth putting together the most important assess ments and rankings relating to Kato wice and see how the city ranks in com parison to other Polish agglomerations
One of the most recent award that Katowice has received is the 5th position in the ranking of the best large European cities in terms of fDi strategy in fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2022/23 ranking.
and in which aspects it clearly dominates over its competitors.
54
One of the most recent award that
facilities and social support. The jury
The review of these ratings and rank
Katowice has received is the 5 th posi
singled out Katowice's "exceptionally
ings should certainly start with the most
tion in the ranking of the best large
high civic budget", which accounts for
objective and reliable financial criteria.
European cities in terms of fDi strategy
about 1% of the city's entire budget, while
In the credit rating of Katowice published
in fDi’s European Cities and Regions of
the standard among provincial cities is
by Fitch at the end of 2021, the city's
the Future 2022/23 ranking. The culmi
about 0.5%, as well as the creation of
financial standing was assessed as "A-",
nation of the ranking was the award cere
a dedicated Green Budget of as much as
i.e. Stable outlook, and the source of such
mony on 15 March during MIPIM 2022
PLN 3 million.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Photo: Piotr Krysiak / Obiektyw PK – foto & film.
In this context it is worth empha
the inhabitants, obtaining the highest
assessment Katowice took an excellent
sising that Katowice's high rating in
number of points, which is due to, among
2 nd place among the assessed largest
the "Forbes" ranking is by no means iso
others, high spending on education, cul
Polish agglomerations! Such a high posi
lated as only a month earlier, in Octo
ture, sport and recreation, thanks to
tion of Katowice gains particular signi
ber 2021, Katowice found itself among
which the inhabitants have access to
ficance taking into account the fact that
the laureates of the 17th Local Govern
a better offer in this area.
the Silesian Voivodeship is regularly
ment Ranking organised by "Rzeczpos polita" and "Życie Regionów", winning 2nd prize in the category of cities with poviat rights. The Rzeczpospolita Local Government Ranking has been in exis tence for 17 years and is one of the most
In the mid-2021 air quality assessment Katowice took an excellent 2nd place among the assessed largest Polish agglomerations!
prestigious and reliable initiatives of its kind. In accordance with the adopted
The capital of Upper Silesia for many
included in lists of the most polluted
methodology, the ranking verifies
years has been perceived as an agglo-
regions, not only in Poland but also in
the effectiveness of the local government
meration affected by many negat ive
the whole Europe. The objectivity of this
in shaping the sustainable development
effects of the dominance of heavy indus
assessment is beyond doubt, since its
of the local community, included in
try in the city and the region, in par
source is the report of the prestigious
the strategic categories: economic sus
ticular mining, metallurgy and chemi
international organisation "Europolis"
tainability, environmental sustainabil
cal industries, which were the main
of the Schumman Foundation, which
ity, social sustainability and in the quali
source of pollution in the natural envi
assessed a dozen or so of the largest
ty of management. Katowice stood out
ronment. Therefore, it may be the more
Polish agglomerations according to iden
in the area of care for the life quality of
surprising that in the mid-2021 air quality
tical and fairly selected criteria.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
55
INVESTMENTS
The gradual but systematic growth
the scientific community in local prob
of Katowice's importance on the economic
lems, to trigger public investment in
map of Europe is confirmed by its inclu
regional science and its infrastructure,
sion in the first ranking of the Polish Cities
and to boost tourism. The success of
of the Future 2050, prepared by the Saint-
the Silesian Science Festival KATOWICE
-Gobain Group and the Polish Association
was of great importance in the choice of
for Future Studies. Katowice took the 3rd
the capital city of the Silesian Voivode
place among the largest Polish agglomera
ship – the EuroScience Association,
tions which are likely to obtain the status
granting the title of the European City of
of the city of the future the fastest. It also
Science, appreciated i.a. the exemplary
turned out to be the winner of an addi
cooperation of the city of Katowice with
tional ranking in the "education" category.
the universities organising the Festi
This is the result of the city's focus on lei
val, led by the initiator and leader of
sure industry, business services and "high
the undertaking, i.e. the University of
tech" with simultaneous care for green
Silesia. Along with the title of Euro
areas, which constitute almost half of
pean City of Science comes the right to
the city area. This influences the overall
organize the EuroScience Open Forum
image of Katowice, which is completely
(ESOF) in 2024. This event takes place
different now than it was 20, 10 or even
every two years and is devoted to scien
5 years ago.
tific research and innovation crucial
It was a great honour for Katowice
for the future of the world. ESOF Kato
to be awarded at the end 2021 the pres
wice 2024 will be one of the most presti
tigious title of European City of Science,
gious science and technology events in
which it will be held in 2024. This title
the world.
has been awarded every two years since
If we also add other assessments
2004. It is worth noting that Katowice was
and rankings, in which Katowice was
awarded it, as the first ever city located
ranked among the best Polish cities in
in Central and Eastern Europe! Its idea
such diverse lists as electromobility
is to deepen the changes accompanying
(2nd place in Poland), investment poten
the transformation of the society of these
tial (4th place in Poland), it can be confi
cities and regions towards a society of
dently stated that Katowice will be more
science, to show the richness and diver
and more frequently ranked among
sity of the European scientific landscape
the largest Polish cities in all kinds of
and to support self-education, scientific
rankings. Therefore, we can say that
integration, interest in science among
the new face the Upper Silesia capital as
younger generations and the develop
a vibrant, modern metropolis conducive
ment of European research without bor
to business development, city friendly
ders, to strengthen the European and
and attractive for residents, also having
international profile of the scientific
many other attributes in the culture, rec
community in the city and the region, to
reation or sport area, is already a perma
increase the involvement of citizens and
nent quality.
It was a great honour for Katowice to be awarded at the end 2021 the prestigious title of European City of Science, which it will be held in 2024. This title has been awarded every two years since 2004. It is worth noting that Katowice was awarded it, as the first ever city located in Central and Eastern Europe!
More information Investors Assistance Department Katowice City Hall www.invest.katowice.eu
56
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Using PR services has never been so easy Public Relations on demand
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INVESTMENTS
Smart Kielce. City of sustainable development An increase in the number of requests for new investments and zoning permits, as well as a higher interest in investment areas, have been noted in Kielce lately. Undoubtedly the pandemic has not stopped the economic development of Kielce. We talk to Bożena Szczypiór, Deputy Mayor of Kielce, about the challenges that the city faces and the opportunities which will determine its further development. The development should be measured not only by the number of new investments but first of all, by the improvement of the life quality of Kielce inhabitants.
FOCUS ON Business: What is the eco-
in the report ‘Investment attractiveness
efforts to create a special purpose act and
nomic situation of Kielce two years
of regions’, prepared by the Warsaw
change the zoning plan, in order to be
after the outbreak of the coronavi-
School of Economics.
able to pay compensations to the land
rus pandemic?
Much better than the whole region.
owners and – what’s extremely impor
Bożena Szczypiór, Deputy Mayor
A serious constraint on the further devel
tant for us – to be able to keep this land
of Kielce: In most cases, Kielce entrepre
opment of Kielce is certainly its transport
entirety. The area has huge business
neurs have coped really well with the cri
isolation. No motorway runs through
potential.
sis, adapting their businesses, including
the region, and modernization of the S7
There is also a lot of interest in pro-
production, to the new economic con
beyond the borders of the region is still
perties located in neighboring commu
ditions and needs. The coronavirus has
underway. Meanwhile, which is impor
nes, mainly due to their lower prices in
not stopped their plans, on the contrary
tant but also understandable, we are see
comparison to Kielce land prices. This
– many have used this time to prepare
ing growing interest from companies in
is a natural situation and is typical for
and launch new investments. The City
areas where this road has already taken
medium and large cities. Nevertheless,
Hall currently receives a large number
on another dimension.
it does not threaten Kielce's position as
of requests for new investments and zon
It should also be outlined that 66%
the most important social, academic and –
ing permits. There are many discussions
of Kielce is covered by various forms of
above all – economic center in the region.
behind us, about which I cannot talk
nature reserves, which on the one hand
publicly for now. We have also noticed
improves the quality of life in the city,
You have two significant investments
an increased interest in investment areas.
but on the other hand, limits the availa
ahead of you, with high potential to
The prices we obtained in recent tenders
bility of land for manufacturing compa
strengthen this position.
were much higher than we expected.
nies development.
What is essential, new companies
58
We managed to lead to the reali zation of projects for which other cities
are being established in Kielce all the time.
What about the land in Obice where
and regions also strived intensively.
In 2020, more than 29.4 thousand enti
the airport was to be built? The total
The first is the construction of the Central
ties were registered in the REGON regis
area is about 300 hectares.
Office of Measures laboratories complex.
ter, almost a thousand more than in 2018.
Here the matter is more complex.
What is crucial is that there is a lot of talk
The condition of these companies largely
In the zoning plans of Morawica and
about EU co-financing of this investment
depends on the current economic situa
Chmielnik communes, these areas are
and the fact that Kielce donated the land
tion in the country, and this – as we know
earmarked for an airport. It must be
worth over PLN 36 million. We feel to be
– is not the best. Rising inflation and
remembered that the plots were acquired
co-creators of a project that will stimu
credit costs or the stagnation in dialogue
in various ways. Some – unfortunately,
late the city economically. The laborato
with the EU do not inspire optimism.
a small percentage – were bought directly
ries complex, which is to inaugurate its
from the owners, others were merged as
operations in 2023, will be able to host
What economic challenges is the city
a result of expropriations. According
smaller entities dealing with various
facing today?
to the law, if the municipality does not
types of expertise or measurements.
We are developing by using the exis-
realize the purpose behind the expropri
The second investment, crucial from
ting economic and social potential.
ation, it is obliged to pay compensation
the perspective of the city, is the cons
The city is well evaluated, among others,
to the owners. Currently, we are making
truction of a Cromodora Wheels factory,
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Bożena Szczypiór – deputy Mayor of Kielce.
Our aim is to provide optimal conditions for companies to do business and recover lost profits, including minimizing the costs they incur. Moreover, as one of the few local governments in Poland, we have not frozen our investments even for a moment. Already in spring 2020, we started with the planned tasks, e.g. in the area of wastewater management. We were aware that mainly local entrepreneurs are engaging in such procedures. We implemented a number of such initiatives and in this way, we could also support local businesses.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
59
INVESTMENTS
Other departments of the City Hall
Investment area of 3.5 ha in Kielce
are also involved in services dedicated to investors. Additionally, in 2021 we launched two key instruments supporting the development of enterprises in Kielce: exemption from property tax on newly built objects or their parts related to pro duction and exemption from property tax on new buildings with high-stand ard offices. These are two sectors that we want to develop very strongly. We also support craftsmen, often one-person businesses or small family businesses, by reducing their property tax. We have also created a Map of Craftsmen, encouraging residents to use the services of professionals. What does the city need today for further development? We should remember that deve lopment is not only about in-vestment. We need nurseries, kindergartens and new housing, as well as pavements, light ing, roads and a sewage system – as indi an Italian producer of car rims, which
those from the largest Polish cities, and
cated by the inhabitants during the pub
should start operating any day now.
it should be noted, that 60 percent of all
lic consultations organized as part of
The plant will employ 400 people. A new,
the costs of a given enterprise are labor
the ‘Periphery’ program.
large company with foreign capital will
costs. Life is also cheaper in Kielce.
We are on the eve of launching
also contribute to the increase in demand
Another argument – is the cons
the next EU financial perspective. At
for products and services in the metal�
tantly improving quality of life in the city.
the moment we are getting familiar
-machine industry.
Not without significance is also the pres
with regional guidelines for that and we
Some companies from Kielce are
ence of Kielce Trade Fairs and Kielce Tech
already know that this will not be ‘easy’
also planning to expand and come to us
nology Park, which is an example of excel
money. We have to adjust our develop
with their projects, but at this stage, due
lent use of opportunities for the deve-
ment needs to the possibilities of the city
to the interests of the entrepreneurs, we
lopment of business infrastructure, avail
budget, in which we should secure our own
cannot disclose details.
able to both local and external inves
contribution to the planned investments.
tors. Companies investing in Kielce can
In a moment we will adopt a new
And why is it worth investing in Kielce?
count on the goodwill of the city authori
Kielce City Strategy 2030+ towards Smart
I see at least five reasons. Great
ties and support from the Investor Assis
City, i.e. a smart city with a focus on sus
tance Centre.
tainable development. In consultation
location – the distance from Kraków, Warsaw, Łódź, Lublin and Katowice is no
with the inhabitants, we have de-fined
more than 180 km and the average drive
What kind of support are we talking
our objectives and subordinated invest
time to the nearest airports – Pyrzowice,
about?
ment needs to them, with an amount
Balice, Okęcie – is about two hours. What
The team of Investor Assistance
a total of PLN 1.5 billion. We sent the list
is more, the con-struction of an express
Centre is engaged in seeking locations for
of needs to the regional authorities at
way to Kraków is to be completed within
investors, helps to establish business con
the stage of consultation of the Develop
two years, which will shorten the travel
tacts, runs an online database of invest
ment Strategy of Świętokrzyskie Region
time to the airport in Balice.
ment offers. The Centre has been repeat
2030+. We are waiting for its adoption
Two – high human resources po
edly appreciated by investors for its busi
and implementation.
tential. Salary expectations of Kielce
ness approach, openness, and knowledge
universities graduates are lower than
of the realities of the local market.
Thank you for the interview.
More information Investor Assistance Centre | Kielce City Hall Strycharska 6 Street, 25-659 Kielce Phone: +48 41 36 76 571, 41 36 76 557, e-mail: coi@um.kielce.pl www.invest.kielce.pl/en, www.mapa.invest.kielce.pl/en
60
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Building Careers Through Education.
Courses and books for all papers of ACCA & CIMA
CFA & ESG
INVESTMENTS
Bydgoszcz open to people and business
An open gate in the coat of arms of Bydgoszcz is not just a symbol. This is the real approach of residents, authorities and representatives of local business, who create a friendly climate in the City more and more often appreciated by tourists, guests and people deciding to live or invest here.
"Be our guest" – this long promoted slo
to the campaign of the Forum of Byd
gan of Bydgoszcz still perfectly reflects
goszcz Citizens under the same slogan,
INTERNATIONAL ATMOSPHERE OF BYDGOSZCZ
the openness and hospitality of the City
which was won by the work of Justyna
In recent years, one can feel the inter
and its inhabitants. This can be seen
Dziabaszewska. The art warmly and har
national atmosphere of Bydgoszcz more
in many different spheres of life: from
moniously represents a cross-section of
and more fully. On a daily basis, it is com
social and cultural, through educational,
modern society, promoting the equality
posed of various groups of foreigners
to the business sphere. In today's spe
of all citizens and showing that diversity
who perfectly fit into the local commu
cial situation, when, like many other
is a great value. The mural shows peo
nity. Among them are students gaining
cities, Bydgoszcz welcomes and pro
ple of different ages, races, professions
knowledge and first professional expe
vides a second home for many newcom
and interests who coexist in one city –
rience and freshly minted graduates from
ers from war-torn Ukraine, this slogan
in Bydgoszcz.
various corners of the world. There are
becomes even more relevant and gains
The initiative was quickly picked
also small and larger entrepreneurs,
up by Bydgoszcz schools, which started
transferring their cultural values and
with the Bydgoszcz City Project "Open
traditions to their businesses, managers
ACCORDING TO THE WORDS ON THE WALL
and Tolerant School", which continues
of Bydgoszcz branches of foreign corpo
Anyone who has visited Bydgoszcz may
to this day. Their common goal is to
rations, employees of various industries
know that the City is full of murals. Each
strengthen, already at the stage of buil
and sectors. There are NATO soldiers
of them has not only aesthetic values,
ding the school community, the identity
living here with their families, working
but also carries some important, social,
and image of Bydgoszcz as a city open
and training in the JFTC centre in Byd
cultural, or historical message. "Byd
and friendly to everyone. Bydgoszcz
goszcz, athletes or musicians taking part
goszcz open and tolerant" – one of them
actively supports educational activities
in numerous international events and
says. It was made in 2017, as a result of
that spread the values related to tole
festivals, as well as a growing number
a competition run at that time, related
rance and openness to others.
of tourists and business guests who visit
wider meaning.
Bydgoszcz, not only in the spring and summer season. The fact that Bydgoszcz is a city open and friendly to foreigners is also present in its multicultural history. Even in the times of the First Polish Republic, in its social structure, Bydgoszcz recorded significant German and Scottish colonies, Czech and Jewish communities, or Italian families (a certain Stefan Parkuzi even served as the mayor of the City several times). Today, there are newcomers from all over the world who have perfectly assimilated into the local community. Since the seventies, there have been, for example, Vietnamese who run their restaurants in Bydgoszcz, and Photo: Justyna Dziabaszewska, Behance.net.
62
their third and fourth generation are developing their businesses not only
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
in the catering industry. A large group,
implemented for several years, and
especially in recent years, are Ukrai
which has made Bydgoszcz today one of
nians. This was significantly due to both
the most important locations in Poland
the growing staffing needs of local busi
for investments in the modern business
ness, as well as the activities of universi
services (BSS) sector. Currently, there are
ties, mainly the University of Economy,
about 60 BPO, SSC, IT, R&D service centres
which many years ago opened its doors
operating here, and the number of jobs in
wide to students and employees from
the sector is constantly growing and cur
across our eastern border. The founder
rently reaches 11.5 thousand, of which
and president of the university has even
over 80% are generated by IT services,
been the honorary consul of Ukraine in
creating a strong local specialization.
Bydgoszcz for several years (N.B. as many
Such a dynamic growth of the BSS
as 9 countries have their honorary con
sector would not have been possible if
suls in the City, who actively care for
it had not been for many foreign inves
international cultural, social and busi
tors (including those representing such
ness relations). Naturally, in the face
global brands as Nokia, Atos, Mobica,
of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, it is in
Sii or SDL), who chose this location and
Bydgoszcz that thousands of Ukrainians
are still developing their branches here.
have found support and a second home
Almost half of the business service cen
in recent weeks.
tres operating in the City have their head quarters outside of Poland. Companies
CITY FOR BUSINESS, BUSINESS FOR THE CITY
from France, USA, Great Britain, Finland,
The openness of Bydgoszcz and its resi
Germany, Canada, Sweden or the Nether
dents has also created a convenient cli
lands develop their business activity here
mate for developing business in various
and employ a total of over 75% of BSS
branches, which implement global pro
industries and locating new investments
employees in Bydgoszcz (according to
jects, cooperating with branches and cli
here, including from abroad. In a rela
the ABSL report "Business services in
ents around the world. The whole pro
tively short time, from a city strongly
Bydgoszcz"). For international companies
cess shows, therefore, that the openness
associated mainly with industry, Bydgo
with a recognised position on the global
present in the city-business relationship
szcz has become a place where modern
market, it is important that the envi
has a practical effect in both directions,
businesses, services and technologies
ronment in which they operate reflects
with mutual benefit.
are dynamically developing. The local
the global nature of their work, while
– We continue our strategy of open
economy flourished and unemploy
providing access to technical knowledge,
ness to business, constantly striving to
ment levels reached record minimum
skilled resources and excellent infrastruc
interest new investors in our City and
rates. The Bydgoszcz manufacturing
ture. They find all of this in Bydgoszcz.
support in further development those
The coat of arms of Bydgoszcz with an open gate.
sector has successfully entered the era
On the other hand, the presence
who have already settled in Bydgoszcz –
of the new industrial revolution, and
of foreign capital in companies opera
assures Edyta Wiwatowska, President
the rich industrial heritage of the City
ting in Bydgoszcz has an impact on
of the Management Board of the Bydgo
is reflected today both in the mirror of
their attitude towards the City and their
szcz Regional Development Agency,
the Brda River flowing through the City,
own organisational culture. Patterns
a dedicated municipal company respon
as well as in the attractive facades of
derived from parent offices or resulting
sible for comprehensive investor ser
newly built office buildings, windows of
from the global nature of the organisa
vice, economic promotion of Bydgoszcz
designer apartment buildings or beauti
tions are often transferred not only to
and supporting local entrepreneurship.
fully renovated monuments and urban
the structure or management, but also
– At the same time, we care just as much
infrastructure facilities.
to the approach to employees, recruit
about being a hospitable and liveable city
Probably the most significant eco
ment or cooperation with the local com
for everyone, regardless of origin, age,
nomic effects were brought to the City
munity in which the company operates.
abilities or worldview. The gate of our
by the concept of a "city open to out
It is also conducive to the creation of mul
City is always open – both for people and
sourcing", which has been consistently
tinational teams within the Bydgoszcz
for business.
More information Bydgoszcz Regional Development Agency 4C Unii Lubelskiej Street, 85-059 Bydgoszcz Phone: +48 52 585 88 23, e-mail: barr@barr.pl www.barr.pl
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
63
INVESTMENTS
Close cooperation between the education sector and business is the priority
Interview with Janusz Nowak, Vice-President of Elbląg.
FOCUS ON Business: Availability of
This was the case of Transcom, which
resulted in establishing a special pur
qualified and talented employees is
decided to open a new office in Elbląg,
pose vehicle and implementing a pro
one of the factors attracting invest-
despite having its branches in the imme
ject of construction of an A-class office
ments to the region. Which branches
diate vicinity of Elbląg, i.e. in Olsztyn and
building with a usable area of 10 000 m2
of innovative business services sector
in Gdańsk. Another company that should
in the most attractive part of the city,
can find highly educated specialists
be mentioned here is Best, which has
i.e. the Old Town. We hope that the first
in Elbląg?
been doing very well in Elbląg for years.
construction works will start already in
Janusz Nowak, Vice-President of
A serious incentive for the compa
Elbląg: The innovative business services
nies from BSS sector in our city are pro
sector is growing dynamically, especially
fessionals that graduate our universities.
Let us start with higher education.
in Poland. Recently I have found out that
These are well-prepared young people,
Elbląg has a good academic infrastruc-
Poland is the second destination coun
well acquainted with the directions of
ture. What potential is generated by
try in the world for prospect investors
development and new work tools. We
universities and their graduates?
in this sector. Our country's advantage in
have had and still have this potential,
We would like to develop the aca
attracting this type of projects is well-edu
and we are constantly trying to develop
demic potential. It would significantly
cated and qualified personnel that speaks
it and adapt to the needs of the dynami
help us as a city to attract young people
many foreign languages. Other important
cally changing labour market.
who currently move to other cities to
the second half of this year.
factors include Poland's strategic location
What was missing to fully open our
study and gain experience there. This is
in Europe, a favourable investment envi
city to the BSS sector was a proper office
certainly not easy with the location of our
ronment, economic stability, the devel
space. High standard, A-class office space,
city between two large academic centres:
opment of advanced business-oriented
located in attractive places, so that com
the Tricity centre and the University of
infrastructure, raising quality of life in
panies that will decide to settle there
Warmia and Mazury. Our two universi
Polish cities, as well as the business eco
could offer their employees not only
ties, i.e. the Academy of Applied Sciences
system that supports the activities of
interesting working conditions, but also
(formerly the State Higher Vocational
investors in the sector.
the possibility of spending free time
School) and the Academy of Medical
in the most attractive parts of the city.
and Social Sciences (formerly the Elbląg
Undoubtedly, the primary and so far the most attractive locations are large cities and their agglomerations. Elbląg and cities of similar size are not the first choice for investors in this sector. This is mainly due to insufficient office space. Recently, however, the attention of inves tors, especially those who already operate in our country and want to expand fur ther, has been directed to smaller cities.
64
A serious incentive for the companies from BSS sector in our city are professionals that graduate our universities. These are well-prepared young people, well acquainted with the directions of development and new work tools.
Instead of increasing their potential in
We believe that this issue will no longer
University of Humanities and Economics)
one place, they are looking for new loca
exist due to the Factory programme,
are developing dynamically, every year
tions on the map of our country.
to which Elbląg has qualified as one of
providing our market with highly quali
I must admit that more and more
the 5 cities out of over 120 candidates.
fied specialists.
often Elbląg is taken into consideration
The potential that the Polish Industrial
The wide range of courses offered
as a location for new offices or branches.
Development Agency saw in our city
at the faculties of economics and applied
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
information technology, through peda
convincing arguments for people looking
gogy and language studies, administra
for interesting professional challenges.
tion and social sciences to health sciences
I believe that this will be possible thanks
allows for the education of almost three
to the aforementioned implementation
thousand students. Unfortunately, some
of the Factory project and construction
of them after graduating decide to take
of an A-class office building, increasing
up professional challenges in other,
the area of land made available to inves
larger cities. We are short of attractive,
tors in our industrial hub in Modrzewina
interesting and challenging job opportu
South, and plans to develop and offer
nities for these people, not only corpo
land directly adjacent to the Elbląg River
rate jobs, but also in smaller, knowledge�
and the Sea Port that provides an unre
-enhancing projects. I hope that through
stricted access to the Baltic Sea through
our activities we as a city will have more
the Vistula Spit channel.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
We would like to develop the academic potential. It would significantly help us as a city to attract young people who currently move to other cities to study and gain experience there.
65
INVESTMENTS
It is said a lot that there is a shortage
learning foreign languages. All first to
German, 12.2% Italian, 6.15% French and
of skilled labour in Poland. Elbląg, on
eighth grade pupils in primary schools in
6.15% chose Russian. In technical secon
the other hand, has for many years
Elbląg have compulsory English classes.
dary schools, pupils also choose English
focused on education in particular
Additionally, in seventh and eighth grade,
as their first compulsory foreign lan
professions, both at the academic and
they have compulsory second foreign lan
guage, with 88% choosing German and
postsecondary level, thus creating
guage classes: German (82%), Spanish
12% choosing Russian as their second
a huge field for cooperation between
(9%), Russian (8%) and Italian (1%).
foreign language.
education and business. What are the results of this approach? Since 2014, the city's priority has been the development of vocational edu cation geared to the labour market. New education programmes are being estab lished in Elbląg's vocational schools as well as in the Academy of Applied Sciences in Elbląg. We are willing and we are listening to the needs of our local busi ness, so that education of young people corresponds to their needs. At present, after graduation, almost 67% of students
At present, after graduation, almost 67% of students of secondary schools will have not only general knowledge but also practical skills allowing them to enter the labour market.
of secondary schools will have not only
66
In secondary vocational schools students learn one foreign language on a compulsory basis, where 88.27% of stu dents chose English and 11.73% chose German. Which profiles of vocational educa tion receive the greatest interest both among candidates and students, and among entrepreneurs willing to employ the graduates? Are there any schools, courses or programs in Elbląg, which have been developed in response to business needs?
general knowledge but also practical skills
In general secondary schools and tech
In 2015, in cooperation with em
allowing them to enter the labour market.
nical secondary schools students have
ployers, we identified the directions
I refer here to specialised technical secon
obligatory classes of two foreign lan
of vocational education that would be
dary schools and secondary vocational
guages. In general secondary schools, stu
consistent with the local labour mar
schools. We want as many of them as pos
dents choose English as their first com
ket. It was a year of intensive meetings
sible to feed our local labour market.
pulsory foreign language, while as their
and analyses, identifying needs and
Being aware of the realms of today's
compulsory second foreign language
opportunities. The needs of employers,
job market, we put great emphasis on
46.5% of students chose Spanish, 29%
schools and students were diagnosed
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
and opportunities for their implemen
It also provides consultancy on
In recent years, 7 projects co-finan
tation were identified. Based on these
the planning of the directions of the new
ced by EU funds under the Regional Ope
diagnoses, the projects of modernisa
vocational courses. As regards the most
rational Programme of the Warmińsko�
tion of vocational education in Elbląg
popular majors of vocational educa
-Mazurskie Voivodeship for 2014–2020
were developed, which included all
tion, the students of technical secondary
have been implemented in vocational
vocational schools. Moreover, based on
schools are most interested in IT, mecha
schools in Elbląg. The City of Elbląg has
the Centrum Kształcenia Praktycznego
tronics, programming, logistics, operation
obtained more than PLN 25 million for
[the Centre of Practical Education] and
of ports and terminals.
the development and strengthening of
the Centrum Kształcenia Zawodowego i Ustawicznego [the Centre for Voca tional and Continuing Education]. a coordinating unit – Elbląskie Centrum Edukacji Zawodowej [the Elbląg Centre for Vocational Education] – was estab
Today, close cooperation between the Elbląg Centre for Vocational Education (ECEZ) and Elbląg schools with local entrepreneurs is a priority.
lished. Today, close cooperation between the Elbląg Centre for Vocational Educa
And at the level of secondary voca
vocational education. The projects were
tion (ECEZ) and Elbląg schools with local
tional schools, most popular are mecha
implemented in all vocational schools
entrepreneurs is a priority. Students
nical and electro-mechanical techni
in Elbląg. As a result, they have been
undergo internships and apprenticeships
cian of motor vehicles, hairdresser, chef
equipped with modern educational facili
in natural working conditions. ECEZ pro
and confectioner. All interested gradu
ties – specialist equipment and tools, as
vides services to employers as regards
ates find employment in the Elbląg and
well as IT hardware. The funds obtained
additional training and re-qualification
regional labour market.
were also invested in extension and mod
of employees as part of vocational and
ernization of existing infrastructure of
professional skills training courses. ECEZ
Such a commitment to the develop-
schools and institutions, training of staff
organizes periodical trainings and work
ment of vocational education entails
– specialists in vocational education, and
shops by suppliers of modern machines,
huge expenditures, required for
in raising competencies and professional
devices and technologies. ECEZ is also
a sound educational facilities or train-
skills of young people studying in voca
a regional examination centre for pupils
ing of teachers. How does the city raise
tional schools in Elbląg.
and students.
such funds?
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
67
INVESTMENTS
Also under EU projects, the above
professional skills related to the profile of
public administration are the foundation
mentioned ECEZ, the Elbląg Centre for
education, the city subsidizes postgradu
of a contemporary view on such devel
Vocational Education, was established
ate studies providing new qualifications
opment. These institutions include: sci
on the basis of the Centre of Practical
in vocational education.
entific units, research and development
Training and Vocational and the Centre
units, business environment institutions,
of Vocational and Continuing Education.
In which areas do the city authorities
enterprises, local government entities.
Its task is to develop vocational educa
support cooperation between science
Together we explore the possibilities of
tion in Elbląg and educate professionals
and business? What challenges can you
further enhancing the strengths of our
and specialists needed in the local labour
see in this context?
city and also the ways of using them to
market. As part of the projects, state-of-
I am aware of the fact that the depen-
support economic development. Together
the-art training facilities were created in
dence of the economic development of
we are creating tools that enable better
the following fields: renewable energy,
a city on its innovativeness and its role as
use of the city's scientific potential, sup
carpentry and joinery, construction, as
a main innovation generating centre
port the development of entrepreneur
well as a "Smart Building" and an energy
is a challenge for the city authorities in
ship and attract investors, thus increasing
training ground, which will allow stu
terms of establishing an appropriate
the share of the private sector in financing
dents to practice on photovoltaic and
development policy. For its effective
the research and development activities.
solar systems. The Centre responds to the needs of unemployed workers, disabled work ers and students in a systematic, coordi nated way and in cooperation with part ners – schools, employers, universities, the Labour Office and non-governmen
The development and competitiveness of a city requires constantly new concepts to be generated in order to define development mechanisms that are adapted to the constantly changing reality.
tal organisations, by planning directions of vocational education on the Elbląg
implementation, it is necessary for city
Apart from the two universities,
labour market. The task of Elbląg Centre
authorities to develop pro-innovative
an invaluable role in supporting the devel
for Vocational Education is also manag
cooperation between the sectors of
opment of Elbląg by promoting innova
ing information about local labour mar
science, business and public adminis
tion and new technologies is also played
ket and supporting employers in training
tration. The development and competi
by Elbląg Technology Park, whose tasks
qualified employees. The Centre responds
tiveness of a city requires constantly
include creating a positive business
to the needs of the local business environ
new concepts to be generated in order to
environment and supporting start-up
ment by organising trainings for students,
define development mechanisms that are
and incubation projects. The activity of
the unemployed and employees consist
adapted to the constantly changing real
the Technology Park proves that the coop
ent with the reported needs.
ity. The contemporary pace of transfor
eration of public administration, science
Elbląg also invests in the devel
mations and their complex nature make
and business aimed at supporting innova
opment of vocational education teach
it extremely difficult to unambiguously
tiveness creates the most beneficial con
ers. Apart from many trainings, semi
define a recipe for city development.
ditions for the economic development of
nars and courses for teachers of voca
Undoubtedly, however, close coope
tional courses and teachers of practi
ration and transformation of traditional
cal vocational training to improve their
roles of the science sector, business and
the city. Thank you for the interview.
More information Promotion, Culture and Tourism Department, Promotion and Entrepreneurship Unit | City Hall of Elbląg Stary Rynek 25 Street, Ratusz Staromiejski, IV floor, room 400, 82-300 Elbląg Phone: +48 55 239 32 90, 55 239 33 17 e-mail: invest@umelblag.pl www.inwestycje.elblag.eu
68
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
HR NEWS
SAVILLS FORECASTS INCREASED DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY AND STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN THIS AREA Real estate advisory firm Savills esti
The disrupted steel supply chain and
a consultant and an electrical inspector,
mates that the prices of building materi
the return of some construction workers to
and Stefania Kochaniak and Szymon
als for new commercial real estate con
Ukraine are brand new challenges that are
Matera as junior consultants. The firm
struction in Poland increased by close to
impacting the pace and possibility of deli
will soon further bolster its capabilities
30% in the past 12 months and expects
vering many projects. Today, more than
by adding an engineer dedicated to logis
demand for technical consultancy to
ever before, professional assistance with
tics real estate.
grow. The Building & Project Consul
space fit-out or construction of commercial
Meanwhile, the expansion of
tancy team of Savills Poland has summa
buildings helps deliver projects on time,
the firm’s structures has seen business
rised its activity in 2021, a year in which
bring costs down and propose alterna
line leaders appointed to managerial
it completed close to 60 projects for com
tive ways of project delivery if necessary.
positions. Krzysztof Kuciński, respon
mercial properties with a combined area
The growing demand for such services is
sible for liaising with landlords, and
of 1.5 million sq m and almost doubled
also being driven by the desire to imple
Łukasz Michalak, a tenant adviser, have
its headcount.
ment ESG policies and to bring buildings in
been promoted to Associate Director.
– The rising costs of construction
line with sustainable construction require
Piotr Stańko, leading strategic techni
services and building materials in con
ments – says Jakub Jędrys, Director, Head
cal due diligence consultancy, was pro
junction with shortages of construction
of Building & Project Consultancy, Savills
moted to Associate, while Mateusz Parzy
workers are driving demand for technical
Poland.
chowski, a fit-out cost and property ma-
consultancy. The prices of building mate
Savills has recently expanded its
nager, became a Senior Consultant. Jakub
rials rose by around 30% year-on-year,
Building & Project Consultancy team in
Jędrys, who leads the team, was pro
while the costs of insulating materials and
Poland with new appointments: Sabina
moted to Director.
sprinkler systems which are so important
Dziadosz and Marek Zujewicz as pro
– We are strengthening our teams
in commercial space fit-out soared by 70%.
ject managers, Łukasz Bednarczuk as
with new appointments of experienced engineers to meet the increasing require ments from clients. I am also delighted to see our long-standing employees grow and take on new managerial roles, which will allow them to advance their careers and us to grow further and solidify our mar ket position – says Jakub Jędrys. The Building & Project Consultancy team at Savills Poland delivers compre hensive technical services for tenants and landlords of office, warehouse and mixed-use properties, PRS projects and lands. Its services comprise fit-out pro jects, construction management and over sight, including control of costs and sub contractor work.
70
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
EWA OGŁOZIŃSKA COORDINATES THE WORK OF TMF GROUP'S CAPITAL MARKETS TEAM IN POLAND TMF Group has appointed Ewa Ogło
a single point of contact and coordination
zińska as the Polish Capital Markets Spe
for the global Capital Markets team – said
cialist. The unit provides dedicated ser
Ewa Ogłozińska, Capital Markets expert
vices to clients involved in capital mar
at TMF Group in Poland.
kets transactions in Poland and abroad.
The Capital Markets team at TMF
The appointment reflects TMF Poland
Group has diverse expertise and expe
expansion: the company, besides offer
rience in capital markets transactions in
ing s payroll, tax, accounting and cor
Poland and abroad, in particular in secu
porate secretarial services in, has now
ritization transactions, debt issuance and
added capital markets transactions sup
structured finance. In the legal-adminis
port to its services.
trative area, it comprehensively supports
– Globally, we have been assisting
the organization and operation of special
clients operating in the capital markets
purpose vehicles (SPVs) and can also act
for many years in a very broad range of
as collateral agent, servicer and substi
capacities. In a natural way and respond
tute servicer or data custodian. In transa
ing to the needs of our clients in Poland,
ctions that were subject to evaluation by
we are now transferring this experience
rating agencies, TMF Group received posi
to the Polish market, complementing
tive opinions.
the portfolio of services provided. By
Ewa Ogłozińska has been with
business management and accounting at
working together globally we are able to
the company since 2018. She has experi
the University of Economics in Katowice.
support complex transactions in multiple
ence in leading accounting teams at TMF
She completed her doctoral studies at
locations, providing clients in Poland with
and other companies. She is a graduate of
the Faculty of Finance of this university.
TOMASZ MIKA BECOMES THE HEAD OF THE LEADING INDUSTRIAL TEAM IN POLAND JLL Industrial team operating compre
key areas of the company's activity in this
implementing strategic business devel
hensively across all areas of Poland’s
segment. Tomasz Mika has over 18 years
opment activities. With nearly 15 years
logistics sector has been excelling in
of experience in the commercial real
of experience in the real estate sector,
the market steadily for years, leverag
estate market. Since 2010, he has been
including more than a decade at JLL,
ing unprecedented growth to shape
responsible for JLL’s strategic representa
Agata Zając has been involved in large
this segment and significantly scale up
tion of tenants involving key industrial
land deals for leading international
JLL’s operations within the market. After
leasing transactions in Poland as well as
industrial sector clients. For the last
many years of co-managing the busi
for supervising and supporting the team's
years, she has been supervising the work
ness, Tomasz Mika becomes the Head of
activities on regional markets. He worked
of the team executing projects in Warsaw
the Industrial team.
on the above topics closely with Tomasz
area and the Subcarpathian region
At the beginning of April, Tomasz
Olszewski who – after 28 years of strong
– I would like to congratulate our
Mika became the Head of the Industrial
track record in the industry and nearly
leaders on being appointed to their new
team at JLL in Poland. He had co-mana
12 years with JLL – will remain within
roles. It is a natural continuation of
ged the business together with Tomasz
the firm’s structures focusing on finali
the team’s successful strategy and a unique
Olszewski, while leading one of the two
zing the succession process in the com
style of market leadership. At the same
ing months and strategically supporting
time, I would like to thank Tomasz Olsze
the firm as an advisor.
wski for his many years of hard work,
Agata Zając, currently in the role of
establishing JLL's position as the unri
Senior Director in the Industrial Agency
valled leader on the Polish industrial
team, also will take up a new position
market, as well as for the preparation
and responsibility for the Land Acquisi
and implementation of the succession
tion and Development area, managing
plan. I believe that his role as team men
the largest team of professionals respon
tor and the new challenges that he plans to
sible for the search, analysis, prepara
undertake will give him as much satisfac
tion and acquisition of land for indus
tion as his previous successes – comments
trial facilities. She will work closely
Mateusz Bonca, CEO of JLL in Poland.
with Tomasz Mika on designing and
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
71
CAREER&DEVELOPMENT
Trends that will shape the Labor Market in 2022 Text | Katarzyna Pączkowska
The trends driving transformation are not new, but newly urgent.
WHAT WORKERS WANT – FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING AT WORK
the best employers will realize first
with growth in tech, logistics and sales
1. People from all roles – from the pro
hand: without investing in and evol
where women are under-represented.
duction line to the home office – will
ving company culture, they will strug
As women are increasingly getting
demand flexibility, fair wages, and
gle to execute their strategy and need
more college degrees, producing more
more autonomy as a norm, redefining
to prepare to lose talent to companies
valedictorians and higher GPAs than
“essential” for work and for workers.
that will.
men in STEM, it will be the employers
A heightened focus on a values-driven
5. Louder demands for raising wages,
who provide choice, flexibility and per
agenda, empathetic leaders and a cul
flexible working, broader benefits and
formance-over-presenteeism that will
ture of trust will become a net positive
climate action are being galvanized via
attract and keep the best and brightest,
for attracting and retaining talent and
social media, with or without trade
all while driving the skills and growth
engaging remote teams.
unions. 2021 saw workers stand up, speak up and walk out across indus
9. Continued polarization along lines of
ritized, expanding traditional health
tries. Employees and customers want
politics, race, identity and age means
and safety exponentially. A mass move
to spend their time and money with
organizations will increasingly be
ment to break the stigma of silence
organizations that act as stakeholders.
asked to take positions on social issues.
will require employers to be explicit
All stakeholders – investors, regulators, customers and employees – will expect
tecting mental health as well as wealth,
TALENT SCARCITY – FROM PLEDGES TO PROGRESS
employability and wellbeing. Leaders
6. The skills revolution is in full force.
gress, not just pledges, and will be held
can expect growing calls to action on
Record talent shortages, rising wages
to account. Organizations will need to
ways to prevent burnout, build resi
and the race to reskill means labor
visibly action diversity, equity, inclu
lience and boost mental fitness.
markets are in flux. Reskilling and
sion and belonging so everyone can
about their increased duty of care-pro
72
agenda.
2. Mental fitness will be increasingly prio-
even more transparency around pro
3. Hybrid work models and untethered
upskilling will become non-negotia
benefit from an economic recovery.
work are more in demand than ever
ble for individuals and organizations
10. Rethinking the future of work needs
as people are intent on retaining
as roles continue to require more skills
to be as much about family and
the pandemic’s silver lining and re
than before, with both tech and human
care as it is about tech, robotics and
shaping their own new world of work.
capabilities most in demand. Employ
machine learning. Employers who
The hybrid paradox will continue
ers will become increasingly creative
provide caregivers (across all genders)
while we practice and perfect flexi
and master the art of flexibility – to
with choice-flexibility and perfor
bility that works for all. CHROs face
attract, retain and upskill.
mance over presenteeism will attract
the next great challenge as they reima
7. People of all ages will demand even
gine hiring, onboarding and employee
more personalization and resent being
and keep the best and brightest.
wellbeing for the new digital world of
boxed, labeled and pitched against one
work.
another. Younger workers are set to
TECH ACCELERATES – FROM DIGITIZATION TO DIGITAL ADOPTION
4. The heightened focus on reshaping
swell the workforce and as inflation
11. As every aspect of life becomes more
company culture to build trust, retain
rises and savings dwindle, the pan
tech-enabled, we must strengthen
remote teams and energize the emplo-
demic-exiteers will likely return to
the connection people have with
yee experience will call for an Em-
drive the gig work boom across gene-
work and colleagues for improved
ployee Value Proposition that brings
rational lines.
productivity and creativity. Machine
a sense of purpose and wellbeing plus
8. Mass exoduses from sectors typi
learning and workforce data will ena
empathetic leadership for a digital
cally dominated by women – educa
ble the prediction of potential per
world. In this era of talent scarcity,
tion, health and hospitality – coincide
formance, matching of individuals
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
to ideal opportunities and will help people know themselves better than they ever did. Intelligent machines and AI will enable people to specia lize in human strengths. 12. Advanced technologies are increasin gly impacting how companies trans form business models, enhance cus tomer and employee experiences and become more data-driven. But investing in and even deploying tech nology and innovation is the easy part. Digital-led transformation alone is no differentiator. Human capabili ties and having the right culture enter prise-wide to execute are key to tech adoption, speedy ROI and continuous transformation. 13. Using technology to reduce emissions,
You can dowlonad the Trends report 2022. Wages and the labor market in Polish from Manpower website:
transform supply chains and nudge behavior. As tech giants compete to be the first to open up the metaverse the blending of the digital and physi cal worlds will emerge as one of the most important new trends, cre ating new opportunities to reimagine hybrid meetings and working with
neurodiversity means artificial intel
COMPANIES RESET – FROM REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE STRATEGIC WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
ligence must have an in-built bene
17. Transparency around ESG, the rise of
ment and media. Employees increas
volence filter in diverse talent, not fil
stakeholder capitalism and the con
ingly demand “Empathetic” action
ter out the atypical. Organizations will
vergence of standards and report
with expectations from all sides of
recognize the value of the machine
ing are creating greater urgency for
the political spectrum that CEOs will
learning match and predictive perfor
companies to take the lead. Regula
lead the way. The role of business will
mance so we can help people know
tions around climate action and com
continue to broaden into areas from
themselves better than they know
mitments to Net Zero emissions are
advocating for racial equity to cham
themselves, charting a pathway of
increasingly common, though the next
pioning vaccination and voting rights.
employability, equity and increasing
frontier will be S – a companies' social
20. Supply chain fragility, exacerbated by
less environmental impact. 14. An increase in understanding of
prosperity.
impact.
19. Employers become the most trusted source of information-above govern
climate, consumer demand and short
15. Organizations seek to balance higher
18. New, nimble operating models and
ages of skills is a reprioritizing risk.
wages with productivity growth. And
people practices will emerge to res
Mono suppliers and vertical supply
policy makers prefer this dynamic
pond to transformations in the market
chains are out, circular, networked,
because there are no current or latent
– from digital technologies to chan-
regional, resilient, and sustainable are
inflationary pressures as the poten
ging consumer preferences. The abi-
in. Supply chain resilience and vendor
tial of the economy expands. Techno
lity to turn data into meaninful in
consolidation will be at a premium to
logy will unlock producing more with
sights will be critical to managing hu-
mitigate uncertainty and manage risk.
existing inputs or producing the same
man capital risks, including the res-
with fewer inputs.
ponsible integration of gig, freelance
More information in the latest Manpower
and contract workers.
Report.
16. Providing a seamless and scalable digital experience for employees will require changes in technology infra structure, management practices and employee and customer engagement models. Workforce and talent data/ analytics will be front and center in
Author Katarzyna Pączkowska Permanent Placement Director, Manpower
leveraging data and analytics to iden tify a match for a role and predict potential performance. Focus on Business | May–June 2022
73
CAREER&DEVELOPMENT
Who are the most desirable employers in Poland?
We talk to Aleksandra Trzcińska (Project Coordinator), Martyna Petrus (PR Specialist), and Iwo Paliszewski (CEE Marketing & Employer Branding Manager) from Antal Poland about the newest edition of the ‘Most Desirable Employer’ report.
Wiktor Doktór, Pro Progressio: Where did the idea for the Most Desirable Employer report come from and what is the story behind it? Aleksandra Trzcińska, Antal: The idea was conceived 12 years ago and now we’re in the report’s ninth edi tion. Over the past eight editions we researched the market by asking spe cialists and managers active in the HR segment of the market to share their thoughts on the most desirable emplo yers. What followed was a thorough analysis of specific factors impacting the answers provided. In the 2022 edi tion we changed our methodology and approach – on top of the answers pro vided by specialists we now opened some of the categories and allowed com panies to come forward and apply to join our project. We then looked at and analyzed such companies by surveying their employees. Iwo Paliszewski, Antal: I sincerely believe that from its very first edition our report was way ahead of the curve. Looking back 10 years from now, em ployer branding was not enjoying a high� -profile or priority status. At Antal, we saw the need to research this area – both from the employers’ and employ ees’ perspective – and share our findings with the market. Can we thus conclude that an employer focused on employer branding is the most desirable employer? A.T.: External PR efforts and emploAleksandra Trzcińska, Project Coordinator, Antal.
74
yer branding tell only part of the story of every desirable employer – it’s all about
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
internal employer branding. What sets us apart from the rest is that we ask the employees of companies that volun tarily applied to join our project to evalu ate their employers across a range of fac tors. We can therefore see firsthand just how crucial it is to treat your employees like genuine team members and friends we care for. This is the dominant trend that recruiters, headhunters, and HR experts we work with talk about. Please tell us more about the research methodology and how you conducted the study. A.T.: We started by inviting spe cialists, managers, and other stakehold ers active in the HR industry to fill in a survey concerning the most desirable employers. Simultaneously, we reached out to companies that were invited to this project or applied themselves. We were open to speak to and research every com pany employing more than 50 people. We are very pleased with the overwhelm ingly positive response and the trust placed in us by companies sharing their experiences. It was a really fascinating and inspiring collaboration.
We are very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response and the trust placed in us by companies sharing their experiences. It was a really fascinating and inspiring collaboration.
Iwo Paliszewski, CEE Marketing & Employer Branding Manager, Antal.
not yet established a strong brand had
These answers and our conversa
the opportunity to prove themselves in
tions with recruiters and experts paint
specific areas and categories, such as Care
a picture that shows just how significant
Leader during the COVID-19 Pandemic,
an employee-first culture really is. A top
Office Attractiveness Leader, etc.
working environment and employees
I have to admit that working with
enjoying their roles within the organiza
the HR departments of companies active
tion translate to high levels of employee
in these areas was a truly fantastic expe
participation in co-creating the company
We then sent out questionnaires
rience and you could really tell they were
culture – which, in turn, sets every com
containing questions on KPIs, types of
genuinely enthralled by the faith and
pany on a path of growth. This impacts
activity, and employee benefits to each
involvement in activities designed and
what employees say about their emplo
researched company and asked their HR
taken up by their employers.
yers on the Internet and share in social
departments to look into them. A mir
media, which obviously affects the com
ror image of this survey was sent out to
What, according to your findings, charac-
the company employees at the same time
terizes the most desirable employers?
I.P.: Regarding this issue, let me just
– we asked them to assess the company’s
Martyna Petrus, Antal: Business
add that there was a certain discrepancy
activities from their point of view and thus
stability was the number one answer
in how Employer Branding policy was
give us a bit of an insider’s perspective.
given by our respondents – 71 percent of
assessed by employees and employers.
This approach allowed us to put
them – when asked to name the key factor
Quite a few times we’ve had employers
together a final mark composed from
in making an employer desirable. Coming
convinced their EB strategy is brilliant,
three separate perspectives – the mar
in at a close second was the opportunity
whereas the employees were not exactly
ket, the company itself, and its employ
to develop professionally, mentioned by
on the same page. This is just one aspect
ees. High score in all three areas trans
68 percent of people. A friendly work
that shows there is still a lot to be done
lated to a high overall position. On
environment was the most important
in this area.
the other hand, companies which have
for 63 percent of respondents.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
pany's image.
75
CAREER&DEVELOPMENT
work-life integration. Separating remote work from private life, where both quite often take place in the comfort of our home, is becoming increasingly difficult. Another interesting element inter twined with the above is the transition from a culture of presence to a culture of trust. Until very recently many mana gers have lived in a culture of presence, where the only proof that employees are working properly was seeing them sat in the office open space, on the phone or hosting a meeting. Today, however, we are shifting to a culture of trust where one doesn’t have to be physically pres ent in the office to be considered a loyal and trustworthy employee. Some organi zations still labor under a belief that if you’re working from home on a par ticular day then that’s not really a fulltime working day but something half way between vacation and work. But that’s an old school approach we need to leave behind. Current and future mana gers alike must have this culture of trust embedded in them. Coming back to the results – who
Martyna Petrus, PR specialist, Antal.
76
scored best and why?
Employer branding – what exactly
Shared service centers usually employ
A.T.: A sound, strong, and proven
does it entail? What do employers pay
hundreds of people running similar
employer brand is the common thread
attention to, and what do employees
processes, so this is a huge challenge for
connecting the report leaders. Having
care about?
such entities.
a neat PR packaging and being a subject
I.P.: Much depends on the sector
Another area giving rise to numer
of many debates is nice, but it all needs
and the specific company. Despite moving
ous challenges is remote work. It started
to be road-tested. Our findings confirmed
forward, many companies still remain
during the pandemic and many compa
a widely-held belief that these are all
inactive or do very little within the EB
nies carry on with it to this day. We need
really good companies. They scored very
area, while others offer high-end bene
solutions and ideas for building engage
well among market experts, company HR
fits. We have recently heard about cases
ment and loyalty among employees we
departments and, most importantly, their
like a company villa in Spain at employ
haven’t seen in more than two years, or
own employees. This list includes many
ees disposal, or a company Workation
for effective onboarding of those who
Polish companies which proves that on
(a place where employees can both work
have only ever met their colleagues
top of being a top place to work these
and rest) located in the Mazury region.
and superiors via their laptop screens.
companies are also consciously build
These are a clear sign that employers are
Elements that were part and parcel of
ing a strong employer brand and com
listening to and meeting the expectations
the office life before the COVID-19 pan
pany image.
of their employees in this area.
demic – such as morning coffee chat or
Unfortunately, at this point I’ve got
the arrival of the "sandwich delivery guy"
to mention that the SSC and BPO indus
– all contributed to making the office
tries often suffer from what I call fake
experience a pleasant one and made
Employer Branding. What often hap
everyone feel energized for the day
1. Allegro
pens is that the company offers the pro
ahead. Now, many employees were sim
verbial Multisport card and a couple
ply sat alone at home. Employee well
2. LG Energy Solution Wrocław
days of remote work, only to pat itself
ness is yet another, increasingly impor
on the back for an EB strategy done
tant benefit we ought to mention at
well. Today, instead of a one-size-fits-
this junction.
-all strategy, personalization is a must,
The growing popularity of remote
i.e. the company must fit their benefits
work means we are no longer talking
around the needs of specific employees.
about work-life balance but about
RANKING WINNERS – GENERAL OVERVIEW:
3. BNY Mellon (Poland), 4. Centrum Rozliczeń Elektronicznych Polskie ePłatności SA 5. Intrum
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Just how important certificates like
an entirely new methodology and dis
M.P.: One of the standout conclu
the Most Desirable Employer really
cuss it with a number of stakeholders: HR
sions in my view is that every third spe
are? Apart from hanging the diploma
experts, content supervisors in the areas
cialist will reject a job offer if they don’t
somewhere in the office, are companies
of sociology, research methods, etc. Once
find the employer’s image and reputa
actually making use of such awards to
we ticked off that part we started talk
tion up to their standards. Winning
reinforce their market standing?
ing to the companies; however, another
the Most Desirable Employer award
I.P.: In marketing there’s a concept
COVID-19 wave meant we extended
unlocks talent attraction on a bigger
called Really Easy To Believe, or RETB
the survey deadline. We were in touch
scale as well as reduces costs associated
in short.
with all stakeholders involved through
with employee rotation or the recruit
An award for the most desirable
out this period and finally announced
ment process.
employer is one such RETB – it immedi
the results a few weeks ago. We’re
A.T.: I’d say that among the most
ately builds company standing regarding
already planning our next research
crucial conclusions is that companies
their employer branding efforts. It also
which will build on the findings obtained
should not be afraid of such research in
encourages new candidates to apply.
in our previous studies.
the future. It brings about a lot of posi
An award for the most desirable employer is one such RETB – it immediately builds company standing regarding their employer branding efforts. It also encourages new candidates to apply.
I.P.: I believe it’s worth adding that
tive energy and even companies that
each employer that took part in the pro
are not well-established top emplo
ject received a set of individual guide
yers just yet also want to fight for it and
lines and conclusions drawn from this
win it. Studies like Antal’s Most Desira
study. Thus, the responses provided by
ble Employer show that companies do
employees go directly to employers and
a lot of good things, are great at doing
are to serve as a roadmap leading them to
these things really well, that they care
become even better at what they’re doing.
for their employees – and ultimately, that this approach pays off. My hope
What do you believe are the key take-
is that next editions of our report will
aways from this research?
bring together even more participants!
I.P.: I believe the most compelling finding of this report is the employee
Thank you for your time and this
wellness element we already touched
conversation. I’m already keeping
upon. It’s certainly here to stay and it’s
my fingers crossed the next edition
Employers need official certifi
going to be one of the trends shaping
of your report will prove equally
cates confirming that, quite simply, they
the benefit and employer branding policy.
successful!
are doing a good job. When it comes to candidates, the biggest challenge is to build awareness and credibility of your ranking or contest, thus remaining ahead of the pack. I’ll use this opportunity to brag a little and say that Antal managed to build such credibility, which is a testa ment to the fact we’re constantly in touch
The Results of Antal’s Most Desirable Employer report are available for download at: antal.pl/wiedza
with both employers and candidates. M.P.: Representing Gen Z, I can confidently say that employees now entering the labor market do pay atten tion to things like certificates, CSR activi ties, as well as company values – such as their stance on diversity and inclusion or care for the environment. Young peo ple are very sensitive to these things, so the fact that a company is considered the most desirable employer is certainly very important. How long did it take to prepare this report? How much time passed between reaching the decision about preparing the report and having it all wrapped up? A.T.: It took us 11 months in total. During that time we had to come up with
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
77
CAREER&DEVELOPMENT
Increasing interest in Polish IT specialists An interview with Paweł Woźniak, Head of Business Development & Recruitment in Link Group Sp. z o.o.
Elwira Przybylska, FOCUS ON Busi-
overwhelmed by the number of pro
We can point out the difference
ness: The IT Contracting market sector
jects as companies push to hire more
where customers decide to engage in
thrived quite well during the COVID
to attract new people and acquire new
a long term cooperation, as they require
crisis. Certainly, the numbers speak
competences and that drives further tal
more complex solutions. In this case,
for themselves and Link Group growth
ent scarcity. Globally, the Gig economy
the vendor has the responsibility to
confirms that, by achieving the highest
and all businesses built around it made
deliver resources and the customer only
award in the Outsourcing Stars 2022
remote work possible, where location
is interested to receive agreed service
within IT Contracting category.
does not matter. Regardless of whether
level. Experts who work on this type of
Pawłeł Woźniak, Link Group: Due
you are from India, Poland or the US –
contracts, can have different length and
to the popularity of cloud applications,
what matters is your talent and skills
different types of employment including
we have noticed enormous demand for
when searching for a job. It means that
being a full time employee.
key competences based in the cloud envi
the local players are in fierce competition
ronment. Implementation engineers are
with companies across the ocean who can
What other expectations Customers
in huge demand, along with specialists
offer way better financial benefits.
and experts have?
who can run the entire process cycle, from building the concept of cloud migra tion, conducting business analysis and to providing legal advice. Remote work forced people to use a growing number of different applications and that was a direct motivator for companies to take
Experts are overwhelmed by the number of projects as companies push to hire more to attract new people and acquire new competences and that drives further talent scarcity.
a closer look at their security depart ments. Security experts have a number of
What is the typical length of the con-
As mentioned before, everyone
job opportunities to choose from, which
tract your Customers want? Do they
looks for flexibility. Experts want a flexible
include very attractive pay rates and we
vary among Customers and experts?
work approach, from the ability remote
see growing demand for these skills.
78
Customers these days look for
working, to work hours. This is reflected
Demand for a number of skills
flexibility. We have short, mid and long
in the key aspects of their job: from time
grew across all technology domains and
term contracts, however 1 year long
zone and availability on project to hybrid/
there is a constant need to hire expe
is a market standard. Customers have
remote and perks & benefits. In the past
rienced and highly skilled workers. Peo
the full authority to define and nego
the employer dictated the terms how peo
ple who are able to jump immediately
tiate the terms of the contract and can
ple work and since a few years we can see
into a project and integrate quickly with
adapt it according to their business needs.
the fight for talent. Customers on the other
the team are most sought after. Today,
Naturally the shorter contract is, the ser
hand, want employees, but are faced with
senior developers get the highest variety
vice is getting more expensive. It’s due
headcount restrictions, so they don't want
of job offers.
to the fact that although experts appre
to commit to hiring on long term for pro
Software engineers have been in
ciate the flexibility they also want to have
jects, so they choose contractors. Due to
high demand and the trend continues to
contracts predictability, so they will take
lack of specific competences internally,
be unchanged due to quickly progress
shorter assignments, but will expect
they need to source externally in order
ing digital transformation. Experts are
a premium rate for that.
to deliver full scope of the project.
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
I would say, hiring an expert is expensive but it’s worth it. At the same time freelance experts are able to gain significant remuneration, compared with being engaged on an employment contract. I would say, hiring an expert is expensive but it’s worth it. At the same time freelance experts are able to gain significant remuneration, compared with being engaged on an employment contract. Customers on the other hand gain flexibility, specific skill set, speed in terms of project delivery and ability to test new things without major long term and financial commitment. Salary reports in my opinion are highly unreliable. I am not trying to say we should not read them, however they vary a lot from the market reality. There are a number of reasons for this; each company has a medium salary range depending on its geographical location, its business model, as well as the busi ness momentum where the business is located. Every company pays differ ently and has various forms of employ ment. Added to this, the significant demand for experts and the variety of jobs on offer, reflect an overwhelming disproportion. Rates can vary signifi cantly, in some cases as high as dou ble, for the same skills and geograph ical location. How do Polish experts position them-
and Europe always pay better than local
Taking an example, a US based
selves in the global IT market?
employers, despite engineers being based
company, with large VC funding, build
I would focus on specifics of IT jobs
fully remotely. Within the not very dis
ing a product will offer different remu
that can be done fully remotely. Poland
tant future, the majority of qualified engi
neration to qualified specialists, com
is a strategic player where major enter
neers, who speak good English, will likely
pared with an enterprise Client, which
prises and large startups locate their
be working on international contracts.
recently opened in Poland. They are
centers that lead to creation of talent
both international companies, however
pools. These days, more and more compa
Everytime you open a salary report,
their capabilities and requirements are
nies have noticed potential among Polish
you find out that the IT market sala-
different, which is why each project
engineers, reflected by the growing num
ries are skyrocketing. How much does
should be evaluated individually.
ber of offers received from abroad, espe
it cost to hire a qualified contractor/
cially from the US. Customers from the US
freelancer?
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
Thank you for the interview.
79
CAREER&DEVELOPMENT CASE STUDY
Custom Recruitment Support Text | Katarzyna Piotrowska & Małgorzata Niedźwiedzka
More and more often we deal with situations, where a business expecting a rapid growth notices workforce shortages and new recruitment needs emerge. In order to timely accommodate those needs the limited hiring team must look for new solutions to temporarily increase its resources, and that is where the RPO steps in.
DEFINITION OF RPO
to carry out the task based on Lion
As part of the RPO, Cpl managed
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)
bridge requirements and standards.
every step of the recruitment process and
is a flexible form of cooperation between
Then Cpl held a kick off meeting with
was responsible for the results. Never
the Client and the recruitment company
the Lionbridge Hiring Managers (very
theless, everything was done in collabo
allowing to, either partially or fully, out
important step) for whom this coope
ration with Lionbridge Hiring Managers.
source the recruitment process. Appro
ration model was a brand new expe
Cpl was also fully accountable for verify
priately tailored RPO solutions directly
rience. The meeting was not only a pre
ing each candidate credibility and quali
improve the Client business, so that they
sentation, and a way of getting to know
fications as well as offer acceptance, and
can achieve their business goals and gain
each other, but most of all an oppor
remained in constant contact with can
competitive advantage on the market. For
tunity to set principles and standards
didates during the first few months of
years, Cpl has been providing RPO ser
for the cooperation. Since then the Cpl
their work.
vices for companies in Poland, and one of them is now Lionbridge.
THE LIONBRIDGE CHALLENGE Lionbridge needed experts such as Desk top Publishers, Localization Engineers or Multimedia Specialists. Facing such
The bottom line was reducing hiring time with significantly improved communication and KPI/SLA performance. Cpl project team was also supported by the ongoing talent pipeline from other Cpl teams.
increased demand with its limited Talent
80
Acquisition Team (TAT) resources, Lion
Coordinator has become an equal mem
bridge management decided to use Cpl
ber of the Lionbridge Talent Acquisi
AREAS OF COLLABORATION (RECRUITMENT IS NOT EVERYTHING)
RPO services for four months.
tion Team with an open direct commu
Lionbridge branding was important for
nication channel to Lionbridge decision
Cpl. Brainstorming sessions with Cpl
CPL RPO IN PRACTICE
makers, with a power to present candi
and Lionbridge specialists were aimed
Before the project officially begun, Cpl
dates, arrange meetings, collect feedback,
at recruitment marketing and talent
conducted a series of meetings with Lion
and discuss offers. Dedicated Cpl con
acquisition strategy, including creation
bridge representatives in order to thor
sultants were acting as Lionbridge tem
of consistent messaging to, and an attrac
oughly analyse Lionbridge needs and
porary employees. The bottom line was
tive employee value proposition for,
prepare RPO-related support proposals.
reducing hiring time with significantly
candidates.
Having understood Lionbridge employ
improved communication and KPI/SLA
Cpl marketing team delivered ap
ment structure and organisational cul
performance. Cpl project team was also
propriate branding and recruitment mar
ture, Cpl could identify the desired talent
supported by the ongoing talent pipeline
keting services to Cpl internal team to
characteristics. Then, Cpl tailored the RPO
from other Cpl teams. It’s an incredibly
boost the sourcing efforts effectiveness
to the Lionbridge needs, by choosing
demanding role, since Cpl Coordinator
and provide exceptional candidate expe
the appropriate sourcing strategy. At this
often took part in meetings, where they
rience. As an example, Cpl created job/
stage, and in consultation with Lion
had to demonstrate their assertiveness
company collaterals to share the Lion
bridge, Cpl dedicated its Project Coor
while remaining open to the arguments
bridge mission and boost the interest
dinator and proposed the project team
of interlocutors.
among potential candidates, as well as
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
prepared various guides on the jobs
link. All these initiatives were to support
and Lionbridge to share the transparent
and enhance sourcing efforts.
vision of the future employer. Cpl also offered extended recruitment market
THE BOTTOM LINE
ing support strategy built for different
• Offer acceptance ratio: 79%
channels, run dedicated social media
• 90% jobs filled
campaigns to attract candidates, and pub
• 67% of presented candidates passed
lished a dedicated landing page where Lionbridge culture, career opportunities
1st interview • Effective time pipeline
and current job offers were presented.
Nowadays, talent acquisition and
Furthermore, a direct search campaign
development determine the success of
using LinkedIn Recruiter Licences was
an organization on the market. Recruit
performed by the dedicated team of Cpl
ment Process Outsourcing as an advanced
consultants and over 1,500 external can
and flexible solution comprehensively
didates were e-mailed directly. Cpl con
supports the individual company's needs
sultants were equipped with additional
in the current talent shortage regardless
brand collaterals, and used e-mail signa
of the size and level of business develop
tures with the dedicated landing page
ment of the company.
A direct search campaign using LinkedIn Recruiter Licences was performed by the dedicated team of Cpl consultants and over 1,500 external candidates were e-mailed directly.
Authors Katarzyna Piotrowska
Małgorzata Niedźwiedzka
Country Manager, Cpl Poland
Director of Talent Acquisition, Europe, Lionbridge
Focus on Business | May–June 2022
81
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