Hays Poland report: Degree requirements persist despite skills gap

A report by Hays Poland titled ‘Labor Market 2026: Semi-annual Trend Review’ reveals a disconnect between traditional recruitment practices and evolving market needs. According to the study, 71% of companies in Poland state that a university degree is a requirement, either always or in most cases, for specialist or managerial positions.

Despite this emphasis on formal education, the data shows that 48% of specialists do not work in the field they studied, and 28% believe higher education is not necessary for success in their current profession. While 85% of companies report a skills gap, only 31% are prepared to implement a skills-based hiring model that prioritizes actual abilities over formal diplomas.

Alex Shteingardt, Managing Director of Hays Poland, noted that recruitment in Poland still relies heavily on formal education and certificates. He warned that the lack of skills-based hiring may cause companies to overlook valuable candidates as the labor market and technological requirements evolve faster than university curricula.