Nearly forty percent of Romanians express apprehension that diverse viewpoints spark disputes within their workplaces, according to a recent survey.
Workplace respect and collaboration are top priorities for Romanians, a new survey reveals. The Open Minds Association's study published on May 14, 2025, reveals that an overwhelming 81% believe mutual respect is crucial for a pleasant work environment, while nearly half (49%) place importance on collaboration and mutual support in the office.
But the survey also points to tension, with 44% of employees feeling pressured to conform to the majority's views, and only 34% feeling comfortable voicing opinions that differ from colleagues or superiors.
As Romania prepares for its presidential election—a far-right candidate George Simion taking on centrist Nicusor Dan—the poll taps into hot-button topics ranging from national identity, religion, sexual orientation, and foreign policy. The findings come from the second edition of the BARES_DI 2025 Study, carried out by the Open Minds Association with the support of Cult Research and GRF+.
"As our society becomes increasingly polarized, the role of the business environment becomes paramount in maintaining social unity, particularly for vulnerable groups," said Mirela Tănase, Vice President of the Open Minds Association. Employers can help foster open dialogue and active collaboration to achieve this goal.
Almost half (46%) of Romanians express reservations about diverse opinions. This apprehension is higher among socially vulnerable groups: 54% of Gen Z youths, 70% of employees with a low level of education, 65% of low-income employees, and 60% of those in executive positions.
Opinion diversity can serve as a catalyst for conflict and marginalization, warns Paul Acatrini, Managing Partner of Cult Research. Employers can help create safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration to mitigate these risks.
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[1] *The 81% and 40% figures indicate the percentage of Romanians who consider mutual respect and freedom of opinion essential for a harmonious work environment, respectively.]
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- Despite the emphasis on education-and-self-development within the workplace, nearly half of Romanians express reservations about diverse opinions, especially among those in Gen Z, low-income employees, individuals with a low level of education, and those in executive positions.
- As politics take center stage in Romania's upcoming presidential election, the general-news reveals that the business environment may play a crucial role in fostering open dialogue and promoting acceptance, as many Romanians are apprehensive about expressing opinions that differ from colleagues or superiors, further increasing the need for employers to create safe spaces for collaboration and mutual respect.
