Poland prepares for EU pay transparency directive

Poland is moving toward implementing an EU directive on pay transparency, a shift supported by a vast majority of the workforce. According to a study by InterviewMe involving 1,261 respondents, 90% of Polish workers support the mandatory publication of salary ranges in job advertisements.

Respondents expressed frustration with vague terms like ‘attractive salary’ or ‘competitive pay.’ The study indicates that employees expect transparency to facilitate easier comparison of job offers, ensure fairer wages, and increase overall recruitment clarity. Career expert Żaneta Spadło noted that the current lack of transparency often leads to a ‘sunk cost effect,’ where candidates invest significant time and energy into processes only to find the financial terms do not meet their expectations.

Beyond legislative changes, there is a growing emphasis on treating compensation systems as strategic management tools rather than mere accounting necessities. Unstructured pay models—where salaries are negotiated inconsistently over time—can lead to employee turnover and decreased engagement. Implementing structured pay scales linked to responsibilities and competencies can help organizations control labor costs and provide employees with clear development perspectives.