How are Eastern European workers evaluated by employers?

Every employee and job candidate is carefully evaluated by their employer. In the case of workers from the East, employers assess work quality, engagement, and communication skills. Unfortunately, it also happens that employers are guided by prejudices and stereotypes, which can be harmful.

Does the assessment of Eastern European workers — as a complex process requiring consideration of various factors — change over time? What future awaits workers from beyond the eastern border if they decide to stay in Poland? Let's find out!

General employer opinion on workers from the East

Workers from the East — in our country, most commonly Ukrainian citizens — are perceived as hardworking, loyal and determined people who show strong motivation to work.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but the general opinion is that they are flexible, eager to learn, and not afraid of challenges. They can also quickly master the Polish language and handle themselves well in international environments.

Skills and competencies that distinguish Eastern European workers

Workers from the East often demonstrate technical skills, which are valued in construction, agriculture and manufacturing. This means they meet the requirements of employers looking for qualified labor. They are also willing to acquire new skills, which makes it easier for them to adapt to changing conditions. They readily take on new challenges and conscientiously fulfill their duties.

What challenges do Eastern European workers face in the workplace?

However, workers from beyond the eastern border face various challenges themselves. These are related to the new workplace and the change of place of residence. Above all, especially at the beginning, there is a language barrier, which can cause misunderstandings and reduced activity at work.

Cultural differences may also come as a surprise to workers from the East. Although our culture is close to, for example, Ukrainian culture, problems arise when it comes to workplace hierarchy, management style and approach to work. In Poland, the structure is more systematized and the approach is more rigid. In companies from the East, relationships between employees are closer and more personal.

Workers from the East may also experience discrimination due to prejudices. Supervisors, other employees, and company clients all use stereotypes. Inappropriate treatment can negatively affect wellbeing and motivation at work, especially when employees still feel like outsiders, are lonely, and lack the support of family and friends.

Find out how to effectively integrate Eastern workers into your company

A problem that in extreme cases can even lead to worker exploitation is the lack of knowledge of regulations and procedures in our system. Foreigners need assistance with administrative matters, especially those concerning taxes, social insurance and work permits. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for non-compliance.

What are the most common stereotypes about Eastern European workers?

Although workers from the East have been in our country for many years, this does not change the fact that they are often misunderstood and frequently judged unfairly. Employers' concerns include that:

• workers from the East are less qualified or less thorough,
• they are more willing to accept very low wages and poor working conditions than local workers,
• they are not loyal,
• they have difficulties communicating due to language barriers and cultural differences,
• they do not want to or are unable to integrate.

However, everyone should be judged individually, upon closer acquaintance, and not based on prejudices. It is also worth being open to cooperation and helping employees adapt to new conditions.

Discover all the legal and cultural aspects of employing workers from the East

What practices help with integration and better evaluation of Eastern workers?

Integration is aided by openness and a willingness to provide substantive help related to performing new duties. Employers can use various methods, such as organizing professional training, language courses and integration activities.

A mentoring system is also helpful — it involves Eastern workers being able to draw on the knowledge and experience of selected team members. Mentors help them adapt more quickly to the company's organizational culture.

It is also helpful to promote openness and tolerance, respect all employees and provide social support. It is also worth regularly providing employees with constructive feedback, through which they will learn what expectations their employer has of them and which aspects of their duties they should improve.

What does the future hold for cooperation between employers and Eastern European workers?

Although since the outbreak of war in Ukraine it has primarily been women who seek work on the Polish market, it is already impossible to imagine Polish companies without workers from the East.

Cooperation with them will certainly bring even greater diversity to companies, which can yield many benefits: increased creativity, innovation, and a better understanding of different markets and cultures. The longer and more frequently Polish workers and employers interact with those from the East, the greater the chance of building trust and better cooperation.