What Work Do Ukrainian Women Look for in Poland?

Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainian citizens found refuge in Poland. The majority were women and children. Fleeing the conflict and seeking to ensure their families' safety, many of them remained in our country.

In order to support themselves, live with dignity, and provide for families still in the conflict-affected country, Ukrainian women are actively seeking work in sectors such as trade, services, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. In Poland, they can count on stable employment and support in the process of assimilation and navigating the labour market.

What Is the Labour Market Like for Ukrainian Women in Poland?

Our country was already the primary destination for labour migration from Ukraine even before the war, and the number of Ukrainians working in Poland grew steadily. By 2021, it had already reached one million people.

Learn more about the impact of the war in Ukraine on the feminisation of the blue-collar workforce

Ukrainian citizens have been seeking — and continue to seek — work in construction, agriculture, gastronomy, healthcare, and elderly care. Their wage expectations are lower compared to Polish workers, though this does not mean they accept exploitation by dishonest employers.

That is why it is important for workers from Ukraine that employment conditions are transparent and that working conditions are overseen by trusted companies.

Thanks to the similarity of the languages, Ukrainian citizens quickly pick up Polish spelling, speech, and grammar, making themselves easily understood. The Polish government has also introduced legal changes to make hiring foreigners easier.

As a result, Poland is an exceptionally attractive place to work for Ukrainians who are looking for better employment conditions than those in their home country — and, understandably since February 2022, for safety.

Find out how to hire foreign workers

What Are the Popular Sectors of Employment for Ukrainian Women?

• Agriculture and all types of seasonal work is the primary sector where Ukrainian women can find employment. They assist with harvesting, crop cultivation, and care of farm animals.
• The growing demand for elderly caregivers and childminders has led to Ukrainian women increasingly working in care homes, as private carers, and as assistants in nurseries and creches.
• They also find work in restaurants, cafes and other food service establishments — for example as waitresses, cooks, kitchen assistants, or bartenders.
• Ukrainian women also work in industry — for instance in production, assembly, and other tasks related to manufacturing, distribution, and packaging.
• They are also present in many shops, particularly large supermarkets and discount stores.
• They also take on work such as cleaning and housekeeping.

Language and Cultural Barriers in the Polish Labour Market

Knowledge of the Polish language is extremely important in order to function effectively in the Polish labour market. It facilitates communication with employers, colleagues, and clients, which is why newcomers from Ukraine participate in language courses or study independently. Knowledge of Polish also enables them to improve their professional qualifications or pursue further education.

Of course, there are certain differences in the behaviour of workers and employers in Poland and Ukraine. In our country, hierarchy and organisational structure are more clearly defined, with employees having distinct roles and responsibilities. In Ukraine, relations between workers and managers are often more flexible. The same applies to management — in our country it is more structured, while in Ukraine it tends to be more based on personal relationships.

Read how to effectively integrate workers from the East into your company

Understanding Polish labour regulations and procedures — covering taxes, social insurance, and so on — can be challenging for Ukrainian women. However, the cultural closeness makes it easier for them to assimilate, get involved in local community life, and build lasting relationships with neighbours and colleagues.

Despite these barriers, many Ukrainian women quickly find their footing in the Polish labour market. They achieve professional success through determination, commitment, and the ability to adapt.

Is There Support for Ukrainian Women Looking for Work in Poland?

An excellent source of support for Ukrainian women in the Polish labour market is our agency. At Gremi Personal, we specialise in the recruitment of temporary workers, including those from Ukraine.

We look after the interests of both employers seeking workers in sectors such as construction, industry, services, logistics, and food processing, as well as the workers themselves — who often have no experience of working outside their home country.

Over the years of our operations, we have built an extensive database of potential candidates, which means we are able to carry out recruitment quickly, place workers in specific facilities, and when assignments come to an end, find them their next employment opportunity.

Since many companies — especially during the summer season — struggle with staffing shortages, workers can count on continuity of employment without interruptions and without worrying about where to find means to make ends meet.

At the same time, we handle all aspects related to workers' accommodation, work permits, insurance, salary payments, and relocation. We provide support on all administrative matters and facilitate the adaptation of Ukrainian women workers in the Polish labour market.