During the recent Labour Market Barometer 2024, a comprehensive study was conducted, which revealed that 18.4% of Polish businesses are already reaping the benefits of foreign labour, a figure that is projected to surge in the coming year. This trend not only addresses the low unemployment rate and labour shortage but also brings diverse skills and perspectives to the Polish workforce.
Due to the significant issue of low unemployment rate and labour shortage in Poland, the proportion of foreign workers is increasing. At the end of the previous year, this ratio had increased to approximately 7%, or 1.13 million employees, compared to a mere 100,000 ten years earlier, or 1% of all those insured in ZUS (Social Insurance Institution).
The Barometer indicates that large companies employ the majority of foreign workers (26.5%), with the industrial sector accounting for 27.3% and the services sector for 20.3%. Small businesses (90% of them do not hire foreign labour) and the governmental sector (86.2%) are the least interested in hiring foreign labour.
The survey also revealed that 83% of foreign workers in Poland are Ukrainian, with the remaining 25% coming from other European nations and around 25.5% from the former Eastern Bloc, which included Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and other countries. 14.9% of the workforce consists of foreign workers from other nations.
According to the survey, 18% of companies that intend to hire foreign labour have a preference for hiring Ukrainians, 8% for workers from other European nations, and 7.3% for workers from the former Eastern Bloc.
Despite the fact that Ukrainian nationals have made up the majority of the recent increase in international workers, the study found that their numbers are still insufficient to close the skill shortage. Meanwhile, they have higher expectations for employment circumstances due to the growing cost of living and the abundance of job offers.
Additional Read: A Guide on Shifts in Immigration Status and Staying in Poland
According to the report, as Ukrainians take jobs here while they wait for greater professional and financial prospects in the West, Poland is gradually becoming just a transit country for them. In small towns, where they make up a sizable portion of the labour force, the issue of the lack of Ukrainians in Poland is becoming more apparent.
Businesses are making significant efforts to integrate foreign workers, providing incentives like transportation, lodging, and meal subsidies. They are even willing to hire migrants from farther away countries, demonstrating their commitment to overcoming the challenges of foreign labour integration.
Companies are facing significant challenges in integrating foreign workers, with the most often mentioned obstacles being language hurdles (63.1%), cultural differences (44.7%), and the issue of integrating foreign workers into the Polish workforce (65.3% of replies). This highlights the need for supportive policies and initiatives to facilitate a smoother integration process.
In conclusion, Poland’s expanding economy, reasonable cost of living, and hospitable culture are reasons why it is quickly becoming a sought-after location for international labour. As a leading staffing agency, Dynamic Staffing Services (DSS) has been helping companies find the right skilled workforce to meet their needs for years.
We understand the needs of both employers and job seekers and strive to create a win-win situation for all parties involved. Our team of professionals can help you navigate Poland’s difficult hiring procedures for international workers. If you want to know more about our services, get in touch with us today at enquiry@dss-hr.com or +91-11-40410000. Let us help you take advantage of the many benefits.
Visit our Website: Dynamic Staffing Services.
