Friend or foe? How do employers and people in Poland percieve foreign workers?

A 2024 report by the Polish Economic Institute (PIE), "Poles on Foreigners in the Labor Market – Facts, Myths, Opinions", sheds light on these perceptions. Based on surveys of 1,000 businesses and 1,000 members of the public, it reveals varied opinions on competitiveness, integration, and the broader impact of foreign workers in Poland.

So, let us delve int o the data, and see how foreign workers are perceived by Poles as well as Polish employers?

Competition vs. cooperation: Polish people and their beliefs on foreign workers

One of the report's key findings is that 30% of Poles believe foreign workers do not compete with local employees. This perspective may be linked to Poland’s exceptionally low unemployment rate, standing at just 2.9% in March 2024 – one of the lowest in the European Union.

However, opinions differ when it comes to specific job sectors and complexity.

• Simple jobs: Over half (56%) of respondents see foreigners as competition in simple roles. Yet, 31% disagree, noting that many of these jobs face chronic shortages, making foreign labor essential.
• Highly skilled jobs: While 23% believe foreigners compete with highly skilled Polish workers, the majority (58%) see no such rivalry, as these roles often require specialized skills in short supply.
• Sector-specific competition: 44% perceive foreigners as strong competitors in particular industries, such as construction, trade, hospitality, and maintenance.

What factors influence the opinions of Polish people on foreigners?

The way Poles and Polish companies perceive foreign workers can be attributed to some key factors:

• Those with secondary or lower education are more likely to view foreigners as competitors for simple jobs.
• Higher-educated respondents often work in professions with labor shortages and feel less threatened by foreign competition.

While entrepreneurs prioritize filling vacancies, regardless of nationality, Polish students and unemployed individuals may see foreigners as limiting job opportunities.

The research indicates that people who have worked or lived near foreigners are likelier to see them as non-competitive and view their presence positively.

Net positive or negative? Economic benefits of hiring foreigners

Nearly half of Poles (48%) believe hiring foreigners is crucial for economic development, especially given demographic challenges like population decline and an aging workforce.

Employers, in particular, strongly support this view, with 74% emphasizing the benefits of foreign labor in reducing workforce shortages.

Other perceived benefits include:

• Boosting the budget: 43% of respondents expect increased tax revenues from legally employed foreigners.
• Filling skill gaps: Skilled foreign workers address critical shortages in the labor market.
• Entrepreneurial contributions: 1 in 10 businesses in Poland is founded by foreigners, further enriching the economy.

Polish public’s mixed feelings on integration and long-term effects

A significant majority (74%) agree that hiring foreigners reflects solidarity with those in difficult circumstances, showcasing a compassionate approach. Nonetheless, others express concerns about effective integration and long-term societal impacts.

However, skepticism remains. Some respondents worry about the potential downsides of employing non-EU workers, with 46% fearing it may bring more problems than benefits.

What are the key challenges of hiring foreign workers in Poland and how to overcome them?

While perceptions vary, the PIE report highlights significant support for their contributions, particularly from employers. With thoughtful policies and efforts to promote integration, Poland can continue to benefit from the skills and dedication of its foreign workforce.

And thus, Poland should focus on improving:

• Effective integration: It is important to ensure foreign workers are well-prepared to enter the labor market and contribute fully.
• Public awareness: Addressing myths and stereotypes about other cultures can foster better understanding among Polish citizens. It also would be beneficial to build awareness about the economic advantages of foreign labor.
• Support for businesses: From the employers perspective, the country must help employers navigate the legal and logistical aspects of hiring foreign workers.