Polish employers continue to express strong hiring intentions for the second quarter of 2026, with over 40% planning to expand their teams.
Employment on the Rise
A recent report indicates that Polish employers remain optimistic about recruitment, with the domestic labor market highly receptive to new talent. Over 40% of companies plan to increase their teams in the coming months, while only a small fraction are considering staff reductions.
The “ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey” reveals a net employment forecast of +31% for Poland from April to June. This figure represents the percentage difference between employers anticipating employment growth and those expecting a decline, adjusted for seasonal variations. The findings are based on a thorough analysis of a representative sample of 588 employers operating in Poland.
Positive Outlook Despite Geopolitical Situation
Despite the geopolitical situation, businesses are optimistic about the future, as evidenced by specific declarations. As much as 41% of surveyed organizations plan to recruit new team members in the upcoming quarter. Conversely, only 9% of respondents anticipate reducing their workforce. Nearly half of the companies, specifically 48%, are focusing on stabilization and do not foresee any significant changes in employment numbers. Only 2% of respondents reported no firm personnel decisions for the coming months.
Drivers of Recruitment
According to the study’s authors, recruitment is primarily driven by the dynamic development of companies and their ambitious expansion into new regions and areas. Technological advancements also play a significant role, naturally requiring organizations to acquire new, specialized skills from the labor market. Reductions in employment, when planned, are typically the result of process optimization and thoughtful restructuring, influenced by market changes that have reduced demand for certain roles.
Leading Sectors for Job Growth
The construction and real estate sector is a clear leader in driving the market and generating the most vacancies, achieving a net employment forecast of 45%. Significant demand for workers is also reported by companies responsible for municipal services and raw materials, as well as the trade and logistics sector, with an index of 38%. Candidates in finance and insurance can also expect good prospects, with an index of 30%, as well as specialists seeking positions in industrial production with a forecast of 27%.
The hospitality, gastronomy, and tourism sectors are mid-range, followed by the public sector, healthcare and social services, and the technology and IT services sector. The automotive industry presents the weakest outlook, with a zero net employment forecast indicating complete stagnation.
Regional Variations in Hiring Intentions
Analyzing the geographical distribution of hiring intentions reveals optimism in all six regions of Poland, although the dynamics of planned growth vary. Eastern Poland leads, with employers announcing the most intensive opening of new positions. The Northern and South-Western regions also demonstrate a strong position. Businesses in Central Poland and the South are more cautious in their personnel plans, but plans to create new jobs still dominate.
Poland’s Position on the Global Stage
The situation in Poland aligns with current trends on the international stage. The global net employment forecast, based on a survey of over 41,000 employers in 41 markets, is 31% for the second quarter of 2026, indicating that Poland is developing at the same rate as the global average. Globally, 45% of organizations plan to expand their teams, while only 13% anticipate reductions. Poland performs well compared to many Western European economies.
Poland is more willing to hire than employers in Spain, the United Kingdom, or neighboring Germany. The greatest demand for personnel worldwide is currently felt in emerging markets such as India (68%), the United Arab Emirates (60%), and Brazil (55%). The most difficult situation prevails in Romania, which is the only country in the survey to report a negative forecast of -5%.
