ISS, a leading workplace experience and facility management company with 350,000+ employees worldwide, has recently opened a new office for ISS Finance Service Centre (FSC) professionals located in the Wave building in Gdańsk. The recently opened office embodies core ISS values, drawing inspiration from its Danish heritage and the maritime ambiance of Poland's coastline. The interior design combines Scandinavian influences, sustainability principles, and fosters an inclusive work culture centred around the values of a "Company of Belonging", ensuring an enriching employee experience.

Paweł Rowicki, Head of Shared Services Transformation, ISS says: “Blending its sustainable business philosophy with the Gdańsk corporate landscape, ISS emphasizes the Danish work culture that extends beyond the familiar concept of "hygge”. The company aims to prioritize safe working conditions, advocates gender, racial, and religious diversity, and actively works towards reducing environmental impact through innovative solutions benefiting the natural ecosystem. Our ambition has been to create safe and inclusive high-end workspaces that enhance employee well-being and productivity, simultaneously maintaining strong business growth."
The ISS Finance Service Centre (FSC) Gdansk is key to increasing the efficiency of financial processes at ISS by standardising ways of working, while benefiting from the large and skilful talent pool of Gdansk, an established finance hotspot. Supporting the ISS operation requires the concentrated effort of a dedicated unit, which is why ISS is centralizing its finance operations in Gdansk. The Gdansk centre will initially employ approximately 50 finance specialists, with potential for further growth. This is the Danish giant’s third location in Poland, following its second global headquarters and Polish operations office both located in Warsaw.
ISS core business is integrated facilities services, operating in 30+ countries on all continents. Its range of services includes cleaning, technical, food and strategic workplace management. Its more than 40,000 clients include office buildings, shopping centres, factories, airports, hotels, hospitals, and schools.



An inclusive workplace designed for accessibility and barrier-free mobility
ISS’ second headquarters, located in its Warsaw Hub, boasts the world's highest rating and a world-first Platinum certification for its accessibility and comfort solutions according to accessibility watchdog Mobility Mojo. The adoption of such solutions is directly linked to ISS' employee promise of being a company of belonging, with corresponding solutions to be introduced to the Gdansk office.
ISS prioritizes an inclusive office environment, emphasizing a sense of belonging for all. The commitment goes beyond mere adaptation, focusing on natural measures that enhance accessibility by highlighting individuals' abilities. Additionally, the Skanska-developed Wave building, holding the 'Building without Barriers' certificate, ensures full accessibility for individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and families with children, making ISS' new location inclusive in common areas and office spaces alike.



Empowering employee well-being and safety through sustainable solutions
The new ISS FSC office planning, fit out and execution in Gdańsk was fully carried out by the ISS Poland team. The project was carried out in the “Design&Build” model – from concept to execution of fit out and supervision of the entire process.
Norbert Ślusarczyk, Director of Engineering and Capital Projects, ISS Poland, says: "When conceptualizing the design for the ISS office in Gdańsk, we considered pivotal factors that every employer currently struggles with: The shift in generations, the battle for talent, ESG, and the adoption of hybrid work models. Our aim was to provide placemaking solutions that contribute to better business performance and make life easier, more productive, and simply more enjoyable”.
Jan Pawlik, Workplace Management Director, ISS Poland adds: “The office was designed based on the employee experience path and services designed for them. Consequently, we have contemporary interiors infused with a coastal ambiance, drawing inspiration from both Scandinavian heritage and Kashubian elements relevant to the office's locale. The colour palette evokes the sunlit sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea”.
ISS remains committed to creating a dynamic and sustainable work environment, setting a benchmark for inclusive office design that promotes employee well-being, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
***
The key features of the office include:
The climate of the Pomeranian region. The office design draws inspiration from the local landscape, incorporating the Pomeranian look and feel including wavy walls, lamps and a colour scheme reflecting the sea, moraine hills, sand, and sea waves. Infused with subtle connections between Kashubians and Scandinavia, these influences are artfully woven into the office's graphics, furniture, and murals. Additionally, the naming convention for the conference rooms is bilingual, presented in both English and Kashubian – the Kashubian translations were provided by an ISS employee of Kashubian origin.
Environmentally conscious fit out. Demonstrating a dedication to sustainability, ISS has made zero waste a top priority by reusing materials like sheets from retired port containers, apple boxes, and wire elements resembling fishing nets. The office incorporates new materials with a minimum of 30% recycled content, with meticulous attention paid to reducing carbon footprint linked to transportation.
Biophilia. The design adheres to biophilic principles, emphasizing nature-inspired well-being, and accommodates both neurodiverse and disabled individuals. The visual concept was created in cooperation with a young local artist. The future plans envisage further cooperation with a wider group of local artists who will be presented with an opportunity to exhibit their work in the Gdańsk office.
Solutions enhancing employee well-being and inclusivity. "To improve the well-being of employees, innovative solutions were implemented, including the use of special acoustic wall products to address the critical issue of acoustics, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. Moreover, custom-made ceiling partitions disguised as sea waves in conference rooms (with movable walls) mirror the local scenery, following the beauty of the coastal scenery while providing superb acoustic conditions.
Mural artworks. The office showcases murals painted with photo-catalytic paint for improved air quality. These artworks depict the regional landscape and address the consequences of not meeting ESG goals and the Paris Agreement. The central mural, depicting Neptune submerged in the sea, serves as a perfect embodiment of the values of sustainable business and social responsibility cherished by ISS employees. It signifies our commitment to combating climate change while shedding light on potential risks. The execution of the piece was undertaken by ISS Poland. It was a noble endeavour; the entire remuneration for the completed work was donated to a local charitable organization.



***




About ISS
ISS is a leading workplace experience and facility management company. In partnership with customers, ISS drives the engagement and well-being of people, minimises the impact on the environment, and protects and maintains property. ISS brings all of this to life through a unique combination of data, insight and service excellence at offices, factories, airports, hospitals and other locations across the globe. ISS has more than 350,000 employees around the globe, who we call “placemakers”. In 2022, ISS Group’s global revenue amounted to DKK 76.5billion. For more information on the ISS Group, visit www.issworld.com

The following top companies have been Short-Listed and move forward to the final vote for the 12th annual CEE Business Services Awards, set for 6-7 March, 2024, at Warsaw's Hotel Intercontinental.

Draft Agenda is here (to be finalized 31 January).
Jury Members are here.
Ticket Reservations can be made here.



Top AI or Process-Automation Implementation of the Year – CEE:
Corning Incorporated/Corning Hungary Kft.
IBA Group
Langly
Porsche Group SRL
Process Solutions
SEB Global Services
Vention
Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (_VOIS)
Stefanini

Top AI or Process-Automation Implementation of the Year – Poland:
Aptiv
AXA XL
Gates Business Services Europe
Harmodesk
IG Group Poland
Process Solutions (Hungary)
SIX Global Services
thyssenkrupp Group Services Gdańsk

Top CSR Initiative – CEE
Allianz Services Romania
Cencora/ World Courier Lithuania
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Moody's Corporation
Societe Generale Global Solution Centre
Telia Global Services Lithuania
Trivium Packaging BSC Europe
Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (_VOIS)

Top CSR Initiative – Poland
APTIV
Capita(Polska)
CBRE Business Services
ELEKS
EY Global Delivery Services
Marsh European Business Support Centre

Business Centre Director – BSC – CEE
Booking Holdings Romania
Cencora / World Courier Lithuania
Dexcom Lithuania
Holcim EBS (European Business Servics)
PwC
Randstad Sourceright
Tietoevry Latvia

Business Centre Director – BSC – Poland
Capita (Polska)
Euroclear Bank
Gates Business Services Europe
IG Group Poland
Kimberly-Clark EMEA GBS Krakow
Marsh EBSC
PPG Global Business Services Poland
SD Worx Poland

Top Diversity & Inclusion Initiative - CEE:
Citco Group of Companies (Citco)
Cognizant (GB) Limited Filiāle Latvijā
Danske Bank Lithuania
Dexcom Lithuania
EPAM Systems Lithuania
Intellias
Metso Global Business Services
Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (_VOIS)

Top Diversity & Inclusion Initiative – Poland:
AXA XL
Euroclear Bank SA/NV
HEINEKEN Global Shared Services
IG Group Poland
Luxoft Poland
Mercer Services Poland
ROCKWOOL GBS

Most “Dynamically Developing” City – CEE
Bratislava
Riga
Vilnius

Most “Dynamically Developing” City – Poland
Poznań
Katowice
Łódź
Pomerania (Gdansk/Gdynia)
Wrocław

Emerging City of the Year - CEE
Bratislava
Klaipėda
Rzeszów

Top Employer Branding Initiative – CEE:
Cognizant Technology Solutions
MSC Shared Service Center Riga
NESS Romania
SEB Global Services
Tietoevry Latvia
Telia Global Services Lithuania

Top Employer Branding Initiative – Poland:
AXA XL
City of Poznań
HEINEKEN Global Shared Services
OEX Voice Contact Center

Top BSC HR Director – CEE
Booking Holdings Romania
Citco Fund Service Lithuania
Cognizant (GB) Limited Filiāle Latvijā
Dexcom Lithuania
Digitech Lithuania
Holcim EBS (European Business Services)
SD Worx Poland
thyssenkrupp Group Services

Top Tech/IT Services provider CEE
Danske Bank
ELEKS
Stefanini
Vention

Most-promising New-entrant BSC
FNMZ International Business Services Kft. (Hungary)
ISS Finance Service Centre
Johnson Matthey Global Business Services (Lithuania)
Mouser electronics (Lithuania)
NIO Business Services (Hungary)
Roche Services & Solutions EMEA (Latvia)

Best University-Business Cooperation of the Year – Poland:
Alcon
Euroclear Bank SA/NV
Orange Poland plc
Sii Poland

Best University-Business Cooperation of the Year – CEE:
Citco Group of Companies (Citco)
Citi (Hungary)
Langly
Moody`s Corporation
MSC Shared Service Center Riga
Western Union Processing Lithuania

Most Vibrant Employer – Czech Republic
IBA Group
Savencia Services Europe

Most Vibrant Employer – Hungary
Randstad Sourceright
Tesco Business Solutions
Trenkwalder
Trivium Packaging BSC Europe

Most Vibrant Employer – Latvia
DNB Bank ASA Latvijas filiale
MSC Shared Service Center Riga
SEB Global Services in Riga
Tietoevry Latvia

Most Vibrant Employer – Lithuania
Cencora / World Courier Lithuania
Convera Lithuania
Dexcom Lithuania
SEB Global Services in Vilnius
Telia Global Services Lithuania
Western Union Processing Lithuania
Yara European Business Services (EBS)

Most Vibrant Employer – Romania
Booking Holdings Romania
Dyninno Romania
Societe Generale Global Solution Centre

Most Vibrant Employer – Slovakia
Holcim EBS (European Business Services)
ING Hubs Slovakia

Most Vibrant Employer – Warsaw
DANONE
Elanco
JTI
Linklaters
Moderna
MSA Safety
Natwest
Sii Poland
Standard Chartered
Worldline Financial Services (Europe)

Most Vibrant Employer – Kraków
Aptiv
HEINEKEN Global Shared Services
Herbalife Nutrition GBS Krakow
Kimberly Clark
LTTS
Stefanini

Most Vibrant Employer – Gdańsk/Gdynia
ARLA GLOBAL SHARED SERVICES
ISS Finance Service Centre
LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

Most Vibrant Employer – Poznań
Miele
ROCKWOOL GBS

Most Vibrant Employer – Wrocław
AXA XL
EY Global Delivery Services
PPG Global Business Services Poland

Most Vibrant Employer – Katowice
Genpact Poland
SD WORX Poland
PWC

Guidehouse, a leading global provider of consulting and managed services to public sector and commercial clients, is expanding its Vilnius team, with plans to hire an additional 300 employees in the next three years. The expansion will primarily focus on attracting anti-money laundering (AML) professionals, with an increasing focus on managed services consulting for financial institutions, crypto and fintech spaces.
Guidehouse, which collaborates with major corporate companies in the Fortune 500 and public enterprises, opened its Vilnius office in 2021, offering advanced solutions in financial crime consulting that drive measurable business impact.
According to Guidehouse’s Managed Services Partner, Eli Morillo, the Vilnius team continues to impress with its attention to detail, proactive attitude, and commitment to consistently overdeliver. These qualities made an immediate impact in helping the company grow, resulting in a strategic decision to double the team to 600 employees within three years.

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. By combining our public and private sector expertise, we help clients address their most complex challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures focusing on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services, we create scalable, innovative solutions that help our clients outwit complexity and position them for future growth and success. The company has more than 17,000 professionals in over 55 locations globally. Guidehouse is led by seasoned professionals with proven and diverse expertise in traditional and emerging technologies, markets, and agenda-setting issues driving national and global economies.

Swiss payment service provider wallee is reinforcing its presence in Lithuania and currently expanding its team in Vilnius. According to the company’s management, the expansion will primarily focus on roles related to software engineering and technical expertise, representing a well-calculated move to tap into Lithuania’s wealth of talent.
wallee, whose mission is the creation and development of sophisticated payment processing products and services, currently employs 140 professionals in different locations. The long-term plan for the Lithuanian office, which currently focuses primarily on software development, is to continue expanding its team of professionals. The company, which hired its first local employees in 2022, aims to grow the Vilnius team to 20 highly qualified specialists.
Thomas Hunziker, the wallee CIO and co-founder, says that the company is currently consolidating and enhancing its existing operations while at the same time maintaining flexibility to adapt to emerging opportunities and business needs.

wallee, with offices in Winterthur, Hamburg and Warsaw, caters to businesses operating across multiple channels, such as e-commerce platforms, physical retail stores, and vending machines. The Vilnius team is expected to act as an indispensable hub for innovation and talent, tasked with furthering the platform’s technological capabilities and ensuring its operational efficacy.

W. R. Grace & Co. (Grace) is a global leader in speciality chemicals and materials. Grace's technology plays a vital role in everyday life - from parts in cars and coatings on furniture to pharmaceuticals and renewable fuels. The company is actively recruiting for several open positions in customer service, sales and procurement, with plans to hire more than 70 people in Poznań. In addition to an attractive salary, Grace team members are entitled to the following benefits: an annual bonus, holiday allowance, medical and life insurance for employees and their family members, reimbursement for the purchase of glasses, language courses and a MultiSport card. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at jobs.grace.com. The new state-of-the-art office space will be home to the company's global customer service centre and is conveniently located in terms of public transport and less than 5 kilometres from the city centre.

Print, copy, and services giant Xerox says it is looking for ways to improve its business efficiency and how it works with clients via what it calls Xerox’s “reinvention,” which includes sweeping changes at the executive level, big layoffs, and a reorganization of some of its business functions.

'Reinventing' Xerox
Xerox Holdings Corp. Wednesday reorganized its business as part of what it calls its “reinvention,” aimed at better aligning its resources. Along with the reinvention, the Norwalk, Conn.-based services provider and printer and copier heavyweight also made significant changes in its executive leadership team and said it plans to lay off about 15 percent of its workforce – which could amount to more than 3,000 jobs.
The plans, which includes reorganizing the business around areas, are key for helping Xerox execute more efficiently and better serve customers going forward, said Xerox CEO Steven Bandrowczak in a statement.
“The evolution of Xerox’s reinvention aligns our resources in three key areas – improvement and stabilization of our core print business, increased productivity and efficiency through the formation of a new Global Business Services organization, and disciplined execution in revenue diversification,” Bandrowczak said. “The shift to a business unit operating model is a continuation of our client-focused, balanced execution priorities and is designed to accelerate product and services, go-to-market, and corporate functions’ operating efficiencies across all geographies we serve.”

Significant changes from the Xerox “reinvention” include the development of a new Global Business Services function to simplify how the company does business, along with a sweeping re-organization of its executive suite which will has led to multiple multiple changes in the top roles as well as the departure of at least two long-term executives. The changes will also see Xerox lay off about 15 percent of its workforce.
A Xerox spokesperson responded to a CRN request for more information by saying that changes in how Xerox reports its finances have yet to be determined. The company currently breaks out its revenue by “print and other” and “financing (FITTLE).” Revenue is also broken out according to “equipment sales” and “post sale revenue.

Xerox Forms A New Global Business Services Function

A major part of the reorganization is the realignment of Xerox’s resources into three new areas. Included in these is a newly-formed function called Global Business Services. A Xerox spokesperson told CRN via email that Global Business Services is a support function for Xerox’s customer facing activities including financing, and not a separate division or business unit.
Headed by Xerox Chief Transformation and Administrative Officer Louie Pastor, Global Business Services going forward will be focused on simplification to drive enterprise-wide efficiency and scalability with centrally coordinated internal processes leveraging shared capabilities and platforms. GBS is also charged with reducing transaction costs to help Xerox leverage and invest in its growth segments, and with continuously improving clients’ and employees’ experiences.

Here are more key details about Xerox’s latest moves.