As Romania begins implementing the EU Platform Work Directive, a landmark Ipsos study, across 25 markets reveals a decisive mandate from the Romanian public: flexibility is non-negotiable.
The recent survey highlights that platform work is no longer a "niche" experiment but a vital pillar of the modern Romanian economy, supporting both the workforce and local businesses.
The findings come at a critical legislative crossroads. With the national transposition of the EU Platform Work Directive underway, the data shows that Romanians prioritize the freedom to choose:
- 92% of respondents believe workers should decide when and how much they work.
- 70% support preserving access to flexible platform work over stricter, traditional employment models that could limit independence.
"Romanians view these platforms as drivers of economic opportunity that complement the traditional labor market. Regulation should focus on transforming this flexibility into a secure framework, moving from an informal economy to one based on clear rights and responsible technology", said Alina Stepan, Country Manager of Ipsos Romania.
The study refutes the idea that platform work is a threat to traditional jobs. Instead, 45% see it as a vital "gap-filler" in the standard labor market.
Most respondents agree that working on platforms helps certain groups access income and they identified the following as the main beneficiaries from these opportunities: students (named by 86% of the respondents), parents balancing childcare with income (73%), newcomers looking for their first break (78%), and seniors seeking to supplement their pensions (70%).
Beyond the workforce, the "Wolt effect" is revitalizing local commerce. The study shows that delivery platforms are now essential partners for the Romanian hospitality and retail sectors:
- 81% of Romanians agree that platforms support local restaurants and shops.
- 83% have discovered new local businesses specifically through these apps.
- 72% say these services significantly improve their daily quality of life through timesaving and convenience.
The results were presented on April 29, during the Romanian Future of Work Policy Lab event. With the deadline for transposing the EU Directive set for December 2026, the message to policymakers is clear.
"These findings reflect how platform work is embedded in Romania's daily economic reality. The implementation of new rules will determine whether this valued flexibility is preserved in practice or lost to rigid bureaucracy", stated Glen Hodgson, Secretary General of Freelance Movement.
The youth factor: 82% of Romanians aged 18–34 consider delivery platforms a natural part of daily life.
Regional context: This pro-flexibility sentiment is mirrored across Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, positioning Romania as a leader in the digital work transition.
The research was commissioned by Wolt in cooperation with Deliveroo and conducted by Ipsos between January and March 2026, using online interviews via Ipsos panels. In Romania, the survey covered a representative sample of more than 1,000 adults aged 18–75, with quotas applied for age, gender, and region. The findings are part of a broader European study conducted across another 24 countries besides Romania, with a total sample of approximately 22,500 respondents, exploring public attitudes toward platform work and future regulation.