BR Interview | Sorin Sandu, BAT DBS Romania: Our long-term strategy revolves around prioritizing our people

For BAT DBS Romania, a job is a journey towards a fulfilling career, not just a working place. The company recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of the employees. Business Review talked to Sorin Sandu, Senior HR Business Partner BAT DBS Romania, to find out which is the long-term strategy for keeping talents in the company and what programs offers for personal development. 

How does your company stand out as an employer to watch in 2024 and on the long run?

AT BAT DBS Romania we see more than just a job; it’s a journey towards a fulfilling career. We prioritize nurturing our employees’ growth and development through various opportunities such as continuous learning, tailored training programs, and accessible online resources.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a vibrant and welcoming culture where every voice is valued and embraced. We believe in harnessing the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and success.

By having recognized the importance of work-life balance, we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of our employees. Whether it’s remote work options or flexible hours, we empower our team members to excel while maintaining a healthy equilibrium.

Read more about

Lacramioara Daraban, Continental Sibiu: There is no organization without our people

read more

We’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. From sustainable office practices to community engagement initiatives like tree planting and clothes donation campaigns, we strive to contribute positively to our environment and communities.

Our modern workspace is designed with employee well-being and productivity in mind. With flexible floor plans, abundant meeting spaces equipped with cutting-edge technology, and elements like biophilia and natural light, our workspace fosters creativity and collaboration.

Our long-term strategy revolves around prioritizing our people. We regularly conduct employee satisfaction surveys and implement agile improvement plans to ensure we remain the best place to work, tailored to the real needs of our team members.

How does your company manage to maintain its status of a remarkable employer for the new generations of employees but also for your existing employees?

In terms of career progression, we offer transparent pathways for advancement, ensuring that employees at all career stages have opportunities to reach their full potential. Whether it’s through internal promotions, lateral moves, or involvement in cross-functional projects, we prioritize individual growth within the company. Additionally, our structured learning agenda, including programs like the Management Trainee Program, Internship Program, and Growth Academy Program, is designed to cater to the development needs of younger generations.

Our adaptable workplace culture remains relevant to evolving employee needs and expectations by continuously seeking feedback and adjusting policies and practices accordingly. We recognize the importance of embracing technology to attract and retain talent, leveraging it to enhance the employee experience and remain competitive in the digital age.

Diversity and inclusion are central to our values, making us an attractive employer for individuals of all generations. By fostering a culture of value and respect, we create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow their careers. Our workforce demographics reflect our commitment to diversity, with over 70% female representation and a diverse mix of generations (11% Gen X, 72% Gen Y, 17% Gen Z), nationalities, and languages spoken.

We believe in the power of recognition and celebration, with our recognition system based on our core values, emphasizing the celebration of success for our talent and trailblazers.

At BAT, we’re excited about the talent within our organization and the potential it brings for the future. Our goal is to provide lifelong learning opportunities to transform talent potential into performance, with programs designed to equip employees with relevant skills at every stage of their career, from intern to senior management.

BAT Major contributions for the local business environment:

• Number of employees: 1200+
• Types of programs for employees: In terms of learning opportunities, we offer a diverse range of programs tailored to enhance skills such as impactful storytelling, effective presentation skills, and leadership development including: Leading Teams and Leading Self; Women in Leadership; Growth Academy and not only. What makes us standing out is that our learning curricula is designed and customized on our organizational needs, aligned with specific roles within the organization.
• At BAT, we encourage continuous skill development, adaptation to new challenges, and the opportunity for every individual to make their unique contribution to our ongoing transformation.
• Leadership style: Our leadership approach is anchored in our core values, Empowered Through Trust. We understand that each of us carries the responsibility for our daily duties and personal growth. Together, we navigate a path where integrity intersects with ambition, trust nurtures progress, and shared accountability propels us towards greatness.