On April 16, SkyHall at Warsaw’s Spektrum Tower hosted another edition of the Walter Herz Akademia Najemcy under the theme “One Office, Many Perspectives.” The event focused on the challenges of making office-related decisions from the perspectives of management, HR, and administration.

Participants included professionals responsible for administration, HR, and workplace organization. The program explored how office decision-making processes function today and how to balance business expectations, employee needs, and market realities.

The event was hosted by Magdalena Zagrodnik, Co-owner and Partner at Walter Herz. “To properly prepare for an office move or lease renewal, companies need at least 18 months to two years. Yet management boards are often unaware that today’s market looks completely different from just a few years ago,” she noted. “In the past, tenants could expect turnkey offices with high-quality fit-outs, sometimes even furniture included. Today, that is no longer realistic. Vacancy in central Warsaw is virtually nonexistent, with waiting lists, tougher negotiations, and much longer planning horizons.”

She added that companies now face a key decision: relocate or stay. “If they choose to stay, the process should be just as rigorous as finding a new office – conducting technical assessments, needs analyses, employee consultations, and aligning the space with the organization’s strategy. Today, the office should be treated as an investment, not a cost.”

Three Perspectives, One Room

The first panel, “Management Expectations vs. Market Reality,” examined how executive teams perceive office space and what drives their decisions. The discussion was moderated by Zagrodnik and Piotr Aftewicz, Managing Director at Walter Herz, and featured Anna Korwin-Kulesza (Globalworth), Anna Panek (Soonly), and Adam Tencza (Paytel).

Panelists discussed the tension between cost pressures and employee expectations, as well as the evolving role of the office in hybrid work models. A key takeaway was the need to integrate financial, operational, and employee perspectives in decision-making. It was also clear that management expects HR and administration teams to engage in data-driven, substantive dialogue – not just execution.

When Theory Meets Practice

Between sessions, illusionist Adam Pruski of Just Edi Show took the stage. What seemed like light entertainment carried a deeper message: things are rarely what they appear to be—a sentiment familiar to anyone who has negotiated an office budget.

The second panel, “HR and Administration: Between Expectations and Reality,” focused on the practical challenges of managing office operations and encouraging employees to return to the workplace. Moderated by Zagrodnik and Emilia Legierska, Transaction Director at Walter Herz, it featured Ewelina Mrozińska (Matexi), Eryk Gąsiorowski (DSV), Agata Szrek-Walkosz (People Can Fly), and Angelika Piwnik (EOS).

The discussion covered hybrid work models, adapting office space to evolving team needs, and the role of HR and administration in translating strategy into everyday operations. Panelists emphasized that well-prepared dialogue with management creates real opportunities to co-shape the work environment.

The Office Gambit

A highlight of the event was a keynote by Michał Kanarkiewicz, leadership coach and chess player, titled “Gambit 2026: How to Think Strategically in Administration and HR?” He explored how strategic thinking can support workplace management and decision-making.

Anna Węgrzyn, President of the Terapia to NIE WSTYD Foundation, also spoke about the importance of mental well-being and the human needs underlying office decisions.

In the afternoon, participants joined the Inspiration Zone—roundtable discussions on workplace challenges led by Katarzyna Milkiewicz (Medicover), Helena Kudrewicz-Czarniecka (Walter Herz), and Monika Szymaszek (Kobieca Moc Biznesu).

The event concluded with a prize draw, networking, and a live piano performance by Marcin Cichocki.

Akademia Najemcy was held in partnership with Globalworth, CreoConcept, AVORA, BAFEO, TRILUX, Kron International, Better Workplace, Kwiaty dla biura, Fundacja Terapia to NIE WSTYD, Kondrat – selected wines, Just Edi Show, and Storymakers, under the media patronage of Warsaw Business Journal.

(Press Materials)