- 15 September 2023
- Posted by: WhiteFin Solutions
- Categories: EOR, Recruitment
Companies are continually looking for ways to expand their talent pool while optimising costs. One emerging solution is to hire skilled workers from Poland — a country renowned for its highly educated workforce, cost-effectiveness, and strong technical expertise.
Venturing into a new employment landscape comes with its set of challenges, from understanding local labour laws to adapting to cultural nuances. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify that process, covering everything from the advantages of hiring from Poland to the nitty-gritty of legal obligations and effective recruitment strategies.
Why Hire from Poland?
Tapping into the Polish talent pool can offer numerous advantages to companies. Here are a few of the primary reasons why a company should seek talent in Poland.
Highly Educated Workforce
Poland is home to some of Europe’s best universities and technical institutes. As of 2021, the country has been steadily increasing its number of graduates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, making it a hub for highly educated professionals. Poland also has a significant number of experts in fields such as healthcare, law, and business management.
Language Skills
English proficiency is increasingly common among Polish workers, especially among the younger population. Many professionals in Poland also speak other European languages such as German and French, making them valuable assets for companies that operate internationally.
Cultural Considerations and Work Environment
Understanding the following cultural nuances can significantly benefit the employer-employee relationship and the overall work environment when you’re dealing with Polish talent. It’s essential to be mindful of these cultural aspects to fully integrate Polish employees into your organisation and make the most out of this mutually beneficial working relationship.
Work-Life Balance
While maintaining a strong work ethic, many Polish employees also highly value work-life balance. Expect workers to be dedicated during working hours but also to appreciate their personal time. Employers that respect this balance tend to earn the loyalty and commitment of their Polish employees.
Punctuality
Being punctual is not just a preference but a cultural expectation in Poland. Late arrival is often considered a sign of disrespect. Whether it’s a business meeting or a social event, it’s advisable always to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early.
Hierarchy and Respect
Traditional Polish work culture values hierarchical structures and clearly defined roles. Employees usually show a considerable degree of respect towards their superiors, both in speech and actions. Although workplaces are becoming more modern and egalitarian, these traditional elements still remain to some extent.
Direct Communication
Polish people are generally straightforward and value clear, direct communication. However, they usually express their opinions in a manner that maintains a level of formality and respect, especially in a business setting. Transparency is often appreciated, but it should be exercised thoughtfully.
Teamwork and Autonomy
Polish workers are known for being excellent team players but also appreciate having the autonomy to complete tasks independently. Effective management in Poland often involves providing clear instructions while allowing employees the freedom to approach their work in their own way.
What Laws Do I Need to Know to Hire in Poland?
Before hiring in Poland or any foreign market, it’s crucial to learn and understand the intricacies of the local labour laws.
By familiarising yourself with the following legal aspects of Polish labour law, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of hiring and managing employees in Poland. Due diligence and, where necessary, consultation with legal experts can save your company from future complications.
Employment Contracts
Types of Contracts
Poland recognises several types of employment contracts:
- Contract for an indefinite period
- Contract for a fixed-term
- Contract for the duration of a task until completion
- Probationary contracts (up to 3 months)
Employers must provide a written contract within seven days of the employee starting work. I one does not do so then it will result in fines and legal penalties.
Language of Contracts
Although it’s common for international companies to have contracts in both Polish and English, the Polish version will generally take precedence in any legal disputes.
Social Security Contributions
Employer and Employee Contributions
Both the employer and the employee are required to contribute to Poland’s social security system, ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych). This covers pension, disability, and health insurance contributions.
Reporting Obligations
Employers must report new hires to the Social Security office before or on the day the employee starts working.
Taxes
Personal Income Tax (PIT)
Employers are responsible for withholding and remitting Personal Income Tax (PIT) on behalf of their employees. Poland has a progressive tax system with rates that can range from 17% to 32%.
Corporate Taxes
If you’re running a business in Poland, you’ll also need to be aware of the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), which, as of 2023, generally stands at 19%.
Labour Laws and Employee Rights
Working Hours
The standard workweek in Poland is 40 hours, usually spread over five days. Overtime is generally paid at a higher rate and is regulated by law.
Leave and Holidays
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid leave per year, increasing to 26 days after ten years of employment. There are also 13 public holidays in Poland.
Termination and Severance
Employment termination procedures are strictly regulated in Poland. An employee can be dismissed for various reasons, but a formal process, which often involves a notice period and possible severance pay, must be followed.
Equal Opportunity and Anti-discrimination
Polish law prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, disability, race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, trade union membership, ethnic background, and sexual orientation.
What Job Boards Can I Use to Find Workers in Poland?
Here are some resources to check out for hiring workers in Poland.
Pracuj.pl
This is one of the leading job boards in Poland, covering a wide range of industries.
OLX
Popular for casual and part-time jobs.
GoldenLine
Similar to LinkedIn, GoldenLine is a social networking site for professionals, which also features job listings.
What’s the Process for Hiring Workers in Poland?
This is a brief summary regarding what the process would be for hiring someone in Poland.
Recruitment
Use local job boards or recruitment agencies to identify potential candidates.
Interviewing
After the CV screening, candidates usually go through one or more rounds of interviews.
Offer and Onboarding
Once a candidate is selected, an employment contract is drafted and signed. The employee then goes through an onboarding process, which may include orientation and training.
Final Thoughts
Hiring talent from Poland offers a range of advantages, from cost-effectiveness to a highly educated workforce and strong technical skills. However, navigating the cultural and legal landscape can be challenging, especially for companies unfamiliar with Polish regulations and social norms. For a seamless and effective hiring process in Poland, consider partnering with experts like WhiteFin.
Specialising in this field, WhiteFin Contracting offer invaluable insights and hands-on assistance that can simplify every aspect of hiring and payroll in Poland. Trusting their expertise can help you make the most of Poland’s diverse and rich talent pool, allowing your organisation to grow and thrive.