Poland faces labor market challenges in skills and activation

Poland is facing significant labor market challenges regarding workforce activation and professional development. According to the Randstad Workmonitor, 41% of Polish workers would refuse a job offer if it lacked opportunities for growth. However, a skills gap is emerging, with estimates suggesting that approximately 40% of current employee skill sets may become obsolete within the next five years.

While 48% of respondents place the responsibility for professional development on employers, data from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) indicates that most training is focused on current duties rather than career advancement. Barriers to learning include professional and family obligations for 42% of workers, and a lack of employer support for 10%.

Simultaneously, the country faces a shrinking labor pool. Analysis from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE) highlights the difficulty of activating economically inactive individuals. Out of approximately 2.6 million people of working age who are neither employed nor in education, only about 455,000 expressed a willingness to work in 2025. This represents less than 18% of that group, complicating efforts to mitigate demographic shifts through workforce activation.