Catalyst Solutions announces the results of the Most Desired Employers study, conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 on a sample of 12,161 individuals, including early-career young professionals as well as experienced professionals in Romania from the fields of IT&C, engineering, social sciences, and economics. The study is the most comprehensive tool for assessing employer attractiveness at a national level, providing detailed insights into candidate behavior and expectations toward local employers. The results were unveiled for the first time at the regional employer branding conference, EBcon 2025, on May 13.
For the 20th consecutive year, the Most Desired Employers study was conducted nationwide, based on 12,161 open-ended, unassisted responses. The Top 100 Most Desired Employers ranking is based on respondents’ answers to the question: “Who are the top 5 employers you would most like to work for?” A high number of nominations for the title of most desired employer may be influenced by factors such as the organization’s size, broad geographic presence, or the diversity of roles available within the company.
“The title of Most Desirable Employer honors and empowers us at the same time. It is a recognition of our sustained efforts to build a work environment where innovation naturally intertwines with caring for people. For Microsoft Romania, performance is an effect of a perfectly balanced association between authenticity, collaboration and trust. We strongly believe that when we support people to develop, discover and use their most valuable assets every day, we can together create a better future for both the organization and, above all, for society.” stated Adina Vidroiu – Human Resources Director, Microsoft EurA & Hungary.
“We are honored and deeply grateful to be part of the top 5 most desirable employers. This appreciation confirms once again that our continuous commitment to creating an innovative, impactful, but also united work environment. This year has a special meaning for our local team, because this year we celebrate 15 years since Google opened its first office in Romania. Over the past decade and a half, we have had the privilege of growing alongside the Romanian tech community, nurturing talent and contributing to the dynamism of the local economy. Being recognized as a top employer in such an important anniversary year is all the more meaningful. We remain committed to cultivating a workplace where our colleagues can thrive, innovate and make a real difference. This recognition inspires us to continue investing in our team and to further uphold the values that define Google, respect for our users, openness to opportunity and the belief that the work of each individual can and does have a valuable impact,” said in her turn Simona Berbec, Market HR CEE Google.
“I am honored by the double recognition of Continental as one of the top 3 most desirable employers in the country and the most desirable employer in the automotive sector. The pride is even greater as the company I represent has maintained its leading position in the top for many years, and this is only thanks to our dedicated employees, the innovative projects they work on and the working environment in which they carry out their activities. These two awards reflect the team’s commitment to excellence and the positive impact on the communities in which we operate: Brașov, Iași, Sibiu and Timișoara,” Lucia Iliescu-Brădean, Country HR Manager Continental in Romania also said.
“This year, we reaffirm our commitment to providing our colleagues with a fulfilling experience that supports their personal and professional development, while maintaining an appropriate work-life balance. Being recognized as one of the most desirable employers nationally reconfirms that the initiatives, projects and partnerships we pursue effectively address the needs of both candidates and employees, while aligning with the company’s business objectives. We are proud that our continued efforts have allowed us to maintain the same high standards as last year. As a future-oriented organization, our strategic objective in terms of employer branding is to remain a top choice for all relevant talent pools,” underlined Cristina Corello, HR Director, Bosch Romania.
In addition to the Top 100 Most Desirable Employers, this year’s edition brings two important novelties: Top New Entry and, for the first time, Top Great Company Culture. Top New Entry highlights companies that entered the top 100 Most Desirable Employers for the first time, organizations that managed to attract attention through management practices, organizational culture or benefits offered to employees and thus position themselves as a top employer in Romania.
In addition to the Top 100 Most Desirable Employers and New Entry, this year marks the debut of the Top Great Company Culture – a ranking that focuses on organizational culture and how it contributes to the attractiveness of the employer. This top responds to the increased interest of candidates in a friendly work environment, work-life balance, and a relaxing atmosphere within companies. Thus, in addition to criteria such as salary package or development opportunities, organizational culture becomes a key factor in choosing the desired employer.
The collected data is processed and organized in the form of differentiated reports based on the candidates’ interest in certain industries, academic background, and level of experience. The types of reports available are: Business, Engineering, IT&C, Retail, FMCG, BPO.