January Labor Market News Roundup

January 2025 brings many new challenges for businesses on the Polish labor market. The worker shortage is becoming increasingly evident, with drivers and warehouse workers among the most sought-after professions. At the same time, the number of foreigners employed in Poland is rising, making our labor market increasingly culturally diverse. Additionally, the growth of automation and artificial intelligence is challenging Poland to adapt quickly to new realities. How will our economy cope with these changes? Here is a roundup of the most important labor market events in Poland in January 2025.

Poland Is Becoming a Country of Immigrants! Workers from 150 Countries Drive the Economy

In 2024, the number of foreigners working in Poland exceeded one million, accounting for 6.7% of all employed people. Every tenth youngest worker is an immigrant, and their numbers have grown by 30% since 2022. The largest group is Ukrainians (over 697,000), followed by Belarusians (116,000) and Georgians (26,400). More and more workers are also coming from India, Moldova, and the Philippines — the latter recorded a 40% increase over the year. Poland is becoming an increasingly multicultural labor market.

Details in the article forbes.pl

Automation Is Changing the Labor Market. Is Poland Ready for the Revolution?

Automation and the development of artificial intelligence are transforming the labor market worldwide, including in Poland. While technology increases productivity and creates new jobs, it simultaneously eliminates many traditional professions. Poland, with a low robotization rate and a shortage of digital skills, faces the challenge of adapting to new realities. Key priorities will be investing in education, implementing long-term strategies, and countering technological exclusion. Will the Polish economy manage to harness the potential of AI and automation, or are we headed for an employment crisis?

Details in the article businessinsider.pl

Sejm Tightens Migration Policy — Will New Regulations Hurt Foreigners and Employers?

The Sejm has begun work on the so-called migration package, comprising four laws concerning foreigners and the labor market. The proposed changes aim to tighten the visa system, regulate employment conditions for foreigners, align regulations with EU standards for highly qualified workers, and reform employment offices. The government is pushing for stricter migration policy, which is stirring controversy among employers and experts. Will the new regulations truly increase control over migration, or will they rather hinder access to the labor market and education for foreigners?

Details in the article businessinsider.pl

Workers Wanted! The Most In-Demand Professions in 2025

The 2025 Occupational Barometer report shows that Poland is facing a growing shortage of manual workers and specialists. Drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, doctors, and teachers are just some of the professions where job openings far outnumber available candidates. The shortages stem from difficult working conditions, low wages, and an aging society. Experts point out that labor migration could help, but Poland is still not sufficiently attractive to foreigners. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has risen to 5.1%, yet this does not solve the shortage of specialists in key sectors.

Details in the article fakt.pl

Why Are Polish Employers Afraid to Hire Foreigners?

The Polish labor market is struggling with a serious worker shortage, and hiring foreigners could be one solution to this problem. Despite this, many business owners still avoid this option out of fear of language, administrative, and cultural barriers. Why does this happen, what myths stand in the way of openness to foreigners, and how can a change in approach to diversity help companies not only solve their staffing problems but also accelerate their growth?

Details in the article infor.pl