Page 25 - Nearshoring to Romania

3.5.4 Culture
Despite some obvious differences, Dutch and Romanian culture are not too far apart. Especially
Romanian business life in private multi-national companies is very similar to that in other European
countries.
A few remarks that could help you understand better the needs of your local workforce in Romania:
Ø Romanian employees are reluctant to question the opinions and decisions of their manager. This can
sometimes result in employees doing exactly what they have been asked, no matter if they believe that
what they are doing is wrong.
Ø Work relations can be seen as formal from one perspective (shaking hands every day with your
colleagues), but highly personal from another (colleagues being also close friends in private life). This
could be a bit confusing for a Dutch manager at first.
Ø Celebrations like name days, birthdays, women's day, 1st of March are important in Romania.
Especially important are the religious celebrations: Easter, Christmas, Saint Mary. It is generally
appreciated if the employer pays attention to these occasions.
Ø Many Romanian companies take all their employees at least once a year on a teambuilding event,
which normally takes one long weekend.
Ø There are some specific regulations from the Romanian labour authorities with which you have to
comply as regards, for example,the health and safety of employees (Law 319/2006). The “Labour
Inspection Authority” ITM (Inspectoratul Teritorial de Muncă) can pay impromptu visits to businesses
-the potential fines being rather large. Fortunately, there are specialized companies who can make sure
everything in your company is in compliance with the Romanian legislation. It is recommended to hire
such a company, since they usually also make sure that:
w the employees are well-briefed and aware of the health and safety regulations;
w there is a contract with an occupational physician (medic de medicina muncii) licensed by
the ITM in order to evaluate the employees so that they are fit for the job they have.
w miscellaneous items are in order: licensed cash registers (if needed), fire extinguishers,
medical kits, evacuation plans, etc.

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Nearshoring to Romania, NRCC 2013