How do Polish employers treat foreign workers?

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign workers in recent years. With its growing economy, demand for skilled labor, and relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe, Poland offers both opportunities and challenges for migrant workers. One of the most important aspects for anyone considering employment in Poland is understanding how foreign workers are treated by Polish employers.

In this post, we’ll explore the treatment of foreign workers in Poland based on labor practices, workplace culture, legal protections, and real experiences from expats.

1. Legal Framework Protecting Foreign Workers

Poland is a member of the European Union and has a solid legal system in place to protect workers' rights, including foreign employees. The Labour Code (Kodeks pracy) ensures all workers are treated fairly regardless of nationality.

Key legal rights include:

• Equal pay for equal work
• Maximum working hours (typically 40 hours per week)
• Paid holidays and sick leave
• Health and safety protections
• Right to join labor unions

For non-EU workers, valid work permits and employment contracts are required. These contracts should be in writing and clearly state the job role, salary, and working conditions. However, enforcement of these rights can vary in practice.

2. General Employer Attitudes Toward Foreign Workers

In recent years, many Polish employers have become more open to hiring foreign workers, especially in industries facing labor shortages such as:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Logistics and warehouse operations
• IT and engineering
• Healthcare

Employers often appreciate the hard work and dedication foreign workers bring. In many companies, especially larger or international firms, foreign workers are treated with respect and given the same opportunities as local employees.

However, treatment can vary depending on:

• The size and type of the company
• The region (urban vs rural)
• The industry
• The worker’s nationality and language skills

3. Language and Communication Barriers

One of the biggest challenges foreign workers face in Poland is the language barrier. While English is widely spoken in corporate offices and IT sectors, Polish is still the dominant language in most workplaces.

This can affect communication with supervisors or coworkers, and sometimes result in misunderstandings or feelings of isolation. Employers in larger companies often provide translation support or hire multilingual managers, but this is less common in smaller firms.

Learning basic Polish can greatly improve workplace relationships and show commitment to integration.

4. Workplace Culture and Expectations

Polish work culture tends to value:

• Punctuality
• Formality in communication
• Respect for hierarchy
• A strong work ethic

Foreign workers who understand and adapt to these expectations are usually respected. In more traditional companies, there may be less flexibility around working hours and dress code, while younger firms may offer more relaxed environments.

While many Polish workers are friendly and supportive, some foreign employees have reported feeling treated differently or left out of team activities, especially if there is a language or cultural gap.

5. Discrimination and Exploitation Concerns

While most employers follow legal standards, there have been reports of exploitation and unfair treatment, especially in low-skilled labor sectors. Common issues include:

• Delayed payments
• Poor living conditions provided by employers
• Lack of proper contracts
• Long or unpaid overtime hours

These issues are more common among informal or unregulated employers. Workers from non-EU countries (such as Ukraine, Belarus, India, Bangladesh, or Nepal) may be more vulnerable due to lack of awareness or language skills.

To avoid exploitation, workers should:

• Always ask for a written contract
• Verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies
• Seek support from Polish labor offices or NGOs if problems arise

6. Positive Developments and Integration Efforts

On a positive note, Poland has made efforts in recent years to better integrate foreign workers. These include:

• Government campaigns promoting diversity and inclusion
• EU-funded projects supporting migrant integration
• Employers offering language courses or cultural training
• Community centers and NGOs supporting foreign workers

There is also growing awareness among Polish companies about the benefits of a multicultural workforce, especially in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk.

Conclusion: A Mixed but Improving Landscape

Overall, the treatment of foreign workers in Poland ranges from supportive and professional to occasionally challenging, depending on the employer and sector. Legal protections exist, but enforcement and workplace culture can vary.

Foreign workers who come prepared, understand their rights, and make an effort to integrate often have positive experiences. It's crucial to work with trusted employers, learn the basics of the Polish language, and seek help when needed.

Poland is evolving into a more inclusive labor market, and with the right preparation, foreign workers can find both opportunity and respect in their Polish workplace.