Nicoleta Bodea, HR Manager at TRANSAVIA, spoke with Business Review in the first interview of the revamped HR Spotlight series, which originally ran from 2020 to 2023. She shared insights on the biggest challenges and opportunities in the labor market, the transformative role of AI and digitalization in HR, and how sustainability is embedded in TRANSAVIA’s people-first approach. Bodea also highlighted the value of certifications and awards in shaping both employee development and employer branding.
What are the biggest challenges in the labor market in 2025? What about the best opportunities?
At TRANSAVIA, we embrace these changes with a forward-thinking mindset. Our HR team is actively shaping solutions by fostering a culture of trust and professional development, we empower our employees to grow alongside the company.
How are AI and digitalization changing the HR industry? How important are these skills for employees?
AI is set to fundamentally transform the entire economy and beyond. At TRANSAVIA, we approach this industrial revolution with an open and forward-thinking mindset, recognizing its power to reshape industries, including HR. When we consider AI’s relationship with HR, we see it as a master tailor, adjusting the fabric of the field for a perfect fit. AI provides deep insights into workforce trends, enabling HR teams to personalize employee experiences and adapt strategies proactively. In recruitment, AI acts like a supercharged magnifying glass, analyzing vast amounts of data in seconds to identify the best candidates. This automates and accelerates hiring processes, making them more efficient, precise, and unbiased.
Beyond recruitment, AI is revolutionizing how teams function. It challenges organizations to rethink job roles and team structures, driving optimization and agility. AI-powered tools enhance HR efficiency, cutting down on administrative tasks, saving time, and reducing costs—allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives that truly impact employees and business growth. However, while AI is transforming white-collar jobs, its impact on blue-collar workers is equally significant. At TRANSAVIA, we deeply value our frontline workforce, who are the backbone of our operations. AI and automation can assist—not replace—these essential workers by optimizing workflows, enhancing safety, and reducing repetitive tasks. Whether through smart monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, or AI-driven logistics, technology is meant to empower rather than eliminate.
That’s why we invest in upskilling and reskilling programs, ensuring that every team member—from factory floors to logistics hubs—has the tools to thrive in an AI-enhanced work environment. Our commitment is to grow together with our employees, ensuring that technological progress translates into better working conditions, greater job security, and long-term career development.
For all employees—whether in business administration or production—AI literacy is no longer just an advantage; it’s a career lifeline. Those who can harness digital tools and work collaboratively with AI will stand out in an evolving job market, positioning themselves for long-term success.
How does your organization approach sustainability in HR, and what key strategies do you implement? What are the biggest challenges HR leaders face, and how can companies move beyond a „check-the-box” mindset to make a real impact?
I think of sustainability in HR like growing a tree—it’s not just about planting seeds but about nurturing growth over time. It means creating a work environment where employees feel secure, inspired, and motivated to contribute their best. It’s about respect, fairness, development, and fostering a sense of belonging.
TRANSAVIA is a reputable family-owned Romanian business, built nearly 34 years ago on strong values. Our moral compass has embedded sustainability in HR and in all our activities from the very beginning, even if we did not name it as such at the time. Instead, we called it „care & respect” and „doing things the right way”. From day one, our founder, Dr. Eng. Ioan Popa, placed employees at the heart and soul of our company, ensuring their long-term success. He built a workplace where every employee feels safe, supported, and valued. At TRANSAVIA, commitment to employees is non-negotiable. A few examples that support this: since the foundation, not a single salary payment has ever been delayed, regardless of economic conditions. All our employees are compensated above industry standards and beyond legal requirements. We invest in employee development programs, including training and career counseling for employees’ children. We actively monitor employee well-being, including mental and emotional health, encourage open communication, and provide career growth opportunities. We maintain a fair and inclusive hiring process to promote diversity and equal opportunities.
We take pride in going beyond superficial efforts, embedding sustainability deeply into our company culture. Many businesses create policies, but true sustainability requires a mindset shift—one where employees see themselves as long-term stakeholders in the business. We recognize that this is a continuous effort, not a one-time achievement.
One of the biggest challenges is adapting to employees’ evolving expectations, particularly those of younger generations. To address this, we align HR policies with real employee needs and instead of simply offering benefits, we actively listen to employees and adapt our HR strategies based on their feedback. Above all, I believe transparency is key—organizations must clearly communicate how sustainability initiatives impact employees’ lives to build trust, engagement, and long-term success.
How important is getting a certification or award for your HR department? What about for employees?
For employees, certifications provide a competitive edge. In a rapidly changing job market, holding a certification, earning a relevant diploma, or completing a leadership development program can open new doors and create career opportunities. At the company level, certifications and awards are like medals in a marathon—they recognize effort and dedication, but they are not the final destination per se. At TRANSAVIA, we truly believe in going the extra mile, pushing boundaries, and continuously striving for excellence. Our goal is to be a high-performing organization, a benchmark for both internal and external stakeholders. For our HR department, awards help validate the company’s commitment to employee well-being and innovation. They enhance employer branding, attract top talent, and reinforce our reputation as a great place to work. While certifications are not always mandatory, they demonstrate expertise, professionalism, and a dedication to continuous learning. Most importantly, these recognitions are moments of celebration—well-earned and well-deserved by all our colleagues, whose dedication and hard work make TRANSAVIA a leader in its field.
Interview source: Business Review — HR Spotlight 2025
