by Alexandru Petrescu 
The decision to relocate to a new headquarters is not just a logistical matter. Choosing a Class A office becomes a strategic decision that directly influences a company’s sustainability, employee attractiveness, and economic resilience. Here are the five most important directions that define the new generation of premium offices.
ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) are no longer just recommendations – they are legal obligations. With the implementation of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), companies must report their environmental impact, including indirect emissions.
This means that the chosen headquarters contributes to the company’s carbon footprint. An office building unable to provide accurate consumption data becomes a compliance issue and may limit the company’s access to green financing.
Moreover, European legislation imposes a gradual transition to zero-emission buildings (ZEB), meaning properties that produce and consume energy in an environmentally neutral manner. New or majorly renovated buildings will need infrastructure for electric vehicles and must meet high energy performance standards.
For companies, choosing a sustainable office space is no longer a matter of image, but an essential business requirement.
After the hybrid work period, the office has not disappeared – it has transformed. The modern workspace is now a collaboration hub, a place that encourages meetings, creativity, and team belonging.
Companies that understand this are not reducing their space; they are optimizing it: making it more flexible, welcoming, and connected. Social areas, brainstorming rooms, and spaces dedicated to digital collaboration are becoming priorities.
The physical office also plays a key role in organizational culture. It is where company values are expressed, where employee engagement is built, and where brand identity is strengthened.
A modern office means not only premium design but also health and comfort for employees. The concept of IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) measures factors such as air, light, noise, and thermal comfort.
Studies show that a fresh air supply of at least 30 m³/person/hour significantly contributes to cognitive performance and reduces absenteeism. Buildings that ensure these conditions become a competitive advantage on the labor market, especially as employees increasingly value work-life balance.
For companies, a Class A office with high IEQ standards supports employer branding and increases talent retention. A healthy and pleasant work environment becomes an integral part of the benefits package.
Digitalization brings advantages but also vulnerabilities. Starting in 2024, with the implementation of the NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security), companies must demonstrate that they protect their IT infrastructure against cyberattacks.
For tenants, this means that the building where they operate must also be “NIS2 Ready,” equipped with robust digital security systems, secure networks, and integrated data management.
Class A offices are already equipped with Smart Office technologies: control systems for climate, lighting, access, and energy based on IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. However, these technologies must be properly protected to avoid supply-chain risks (attacks targeting shared infrastructure).
A property owner who can demonstrate solid digital governance and security certifications offers tenants real assurance of operational continuity.
Renting a Class A office is more expensive, but the benefits go far beyond a simple price comparison. The investment is recovered through non-financial ROI – the positive impact on people, reputation, and performance.
Major advantages include:
• lower employee turnover thanks to a more attractive environment;
• improved public image and credibility with investors;
• avoidance of non-compliance costs related to ESG and NIS2 standards.
Long-term leasing in a modern, sustainable, and digitally secure building signals stability, vision, and trust to employees, partners, and investors alike.
Choosing an office space is no longer just a real estate decision. The headquarters becomes a complex business instrument at the intersection of sustainability (ESG), digital resilience (NIS2), employee well-being, and long-term profitability.
Companies that integrate these criteria into their selection process not only optimize costs but strengthen their future by building stronger, safer, and more responsible organizations.
ESOP Consulting | CORFAC International offers complete advisory services for selecting, negotiating, and optimizing office spaces adapted to the new requirements and trends of the modern labor market.
Contact the ESOP team by completing this short form or by phone at (+4) 0723.26.61.97 or (+4) 021.528.04.40. We will be happy to respond promptly to your request!
Founding Managing Partner of ESOP Consulting | CORFAC International with 24 years of experience in real estate consulting and entrepreneurship.
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