How are foreigners changing the Polish industrial labor market?
Polish industry is undergoing dynamic changes, and one of the key factors influencing its development is the growing presence of foreigners on the labor market. In recent years, foreigners have become not only an important element filling staff shortages, but also a catalyst for modernization and growth in many industrial sectors.
Why does Polish industry need foreigners?
In Poland, as in other European countries, demography is becoming one of the biggest challenges for the labor market. An ageing society and a decreasing number of people of working age result in a shortage of workers, especially in sectors requiring physical strength and shift work, such as:
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• Construction
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• Logistics and storage
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• Food industry
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• Machine and equipment production
Companies are increasingly turning to workers from outside Poland to fill vacancies that are often not attractive to domestic workers.
Who are the foreigners working in Polish industry?
The largest group of industrial workers in Poland are Ukrainian citizens, who have dominated the statistics on work permits for years. However, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the influx of refugees, the structure of this group changed – it was joined by more women, who had previously worked less often in industry.
Other nationalities, such as Belarusians, Georgians, and citizens of Asian countries (e.g. Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Nepalese), are gaining importance in Polish industry. Thanks to their presence, Polish companies can compete more effectively on international markets, using a diverse workforce.
The influence of foreigners on Polish industry
1. Filling staff gaps
Foreigners working in Poland help maintain continuity of production in many companies. In some sectors, their presence is indispensable – for example, in industry, where work is intensive and requires great flexibility.
2. Increased productivity
Although some may perceive employing foreigners as a short-term solution, their contribution to the efficiency of production processes can be significant. New employees often bring a different approach to work and new methods that can inspire Polish companies to innovate.
3. Development of intercultural competences
Cooperation with foreigners changes the organizational culture in many Polish companies. Managing multicultural teams is becoming a challenge, but also an opportunity to develop new competences. In the long term, this has a positive impact on the adaptive skills of Polish managers.
4. Stimulation of investment
Foreign employees attract foreign investment because international companies see Poland as an attractive market with access to a diverse workforce. This, in turn, promotes the modernization of industry and the introduction of modern technologies.
Challenges related to employing foreigners
Although the benefits of the presence of foreigners in Polish industry are obvious, the process of employing them is not without challenges. Among them, it is worth mentioning:
• Bureaucracy – The process of obtaining work and residence permits can be complicated and time-consuming.
• Language barrier – In many companies, the lack of a common language makes effective communication difficult.
• Social integration – For many foreigners, working in Poland is temporary, which makes their long-term adaptation difficult.
Future prospects
The presence of foreigners in Polish industry is a phenomenon that will intensify. The growing demand for employees and the changing demographic situation mean that companies will have to adapt even more to the realities of the global labor market.
In order to effectively use the potential of foreigners, it is necessary to simplify employment procedures, develop integration programs and invest in language and cultural training. Thanks to this, Polish industry can not only cope with challenges, but also achieve sustainable growth and development in a dynamically changing world.
The Polish labor market in industry is gaining a new dimension thanks to foreigners - more global, diverse and innovative. This is proof that openness to diversity can become a key asset in building the future of our economy.
