Short of Workers? How to Deal with the Shortage of Low-Skilled Employees

In 2024, the Polish labour market faced a growing shortage of low-skilled workers. According to data from the Central Statistical Office, the number of vacancies in sectors requiring basic qualifications increased by 14% compared to the previous year. This situation is the result of various factors, including an ageing population, economic migration and rising wage expectations. So how can businesses tackle this problem? Here are the most effective strategies that can help alleviate staffing shortages.

Engaging Underutilised Social Groups

Poland has significant potential for activating groups that are currently underrepresented in the labour market. For example, only 35% of people with disabilities are employed, while the EU average stands at 55%. Adapting workplaces, introducing flexible working hours and running educational programmes for employers can significantly increase the participation of this group in the labour market.

A similar situation applies to older people. Being 55+ does not have to be a barrier if companies create the right conditions. Already, 13% of people in this age group declare a willingness to work, demonstrating that engaging older workers can genuinely help reduce staffing shortages. An important step is eliminating age-related stereotypes and investing in technologies that make it easier for older employees to carry out their duties.

Investing in Professional Development

A lack of qualified workers does not mean a lack of people willing to work. The problem is often a mismatch between competencies and market needs. Only 24% of companies in Poland invest in training for new employees, even though reports from the Polish Economic Institute indicate that short vocational courses can prepare people with no experience for work within a matter of weeks. This approach is particularly relevant in industries such as manufacturing, logistics and services, where specific skills are often more important than years of experience.

International Recruitment as a Solution

Poland has long relied on foreign workers. By the end of May 2024, the number of foreigners employed in the country exceeded 1.024 million, primarily from Ukraine, Belarus, Nepal and the Philippines. They fill staffing gaps in key sectors such as construction, industry and logistics, taking on tasks that are often unpopular among local workers. Their presence has become an indispensable part of the Polish labour market.

Effective international recruitment, however, requires meeting numerous formal requirements — from obtaining work permits and the necessary documentation to ensuring legal and stable employment. In this area, Gremi Personal stands out as an international employment agency: we not only recruit workers from abroad, but also support companies in organising accommodation, looking after employees and helping them adapt to life in Poland. We offer comprehensive support, including language and administrative assistance, which makes the recruitment process easier for employers and minimises the risks associated with onboarding new employees.

Process Automation

A shortage of workers is increasingly prompting companies to invest in technology. Process automation is becoming especially popular in industries such as logistics, warehousing and manufacturing, where repetitive tasks and the need for high precision make it particularly effective. Automating production lines, implementing advanced warehouse management systems and using robots in packaging and sorting processes can significantly reduce the need for staff while boosting productivity, improving process quality and minimising the risk of human error.

Although the initial costs of automation can be high, the long-term benefits — such as reduced downtime, greater precision and lower operating costs — often outweigh the investment. At the same time, automation does not eliminate the human role: supervision, equipment maintenance and the implementation of new technologies remain necessary. It is therefore crucial that technological development goes hand in hand with investment in training employees who will operate and manage automated processes. Companies that implement automation not only gain a competitive advantage but also become more resilient to changing market conditions and the challenges posed by a worker shortage.

Improving Working Conditions

Better working conditions are key to retaining employees and reducing staff turnover, which is particularly important in the face of staffing shortages. Research shows that as many as 47% of low-skilled workers change jobs in search of better employment conditions. Job security, transparent terms of cooperation and access to benefits — such as health insurance, opportunities for professional development or flexible working hours — can significantly influence employees' decisions to stay with a company.

Another important aspect of improving working conditions is providing a safe and comfortable environment adapted to employees' needs. Companies are increasingly investing in occupational health and safety training, ergonomic workplaces and initiatives that support the mental and physical wellbeing of their staff. Additionally, using the services of professional agencies such as Gremi Personal — where we can offer comprehensive support in recruitment and workforce management — makes a real difference. Drawing on our experience in workforce organisation and employee integration, we help employers build a more welcoming work environment, which translates into greater loyalty and engagement among employees.

Summary

A shortage of low-skilled workers is a serious challenge that calls for a multi-pronged approach. Activating underutilised social groups, investing in training, pursuing international recruitment, automating processes and improving working conditions are strategies that can effectively help reduce the problem. By implementing them, Polish companies will not only fill their vacancies but also strengthen their competitiveness in the market.

Is your company struggling with a worker shortage? Contact us to find out how we can help!