ManpowerGroup: 28% of Polish employers plan wage increases to attract talent amid staff shortages

A new report by ManpowerGroup reveals that 28% of Polish employers plan to raise salaries in response to ongoing staff shortages, a significant decrease from the 39% reported last year. As companies navigate a competitive labor market, many are shifting their focus towards alternative strategies, including employee reskilling and attracting untapped talent pools.

According to the 2025 Talent Shortage report, while salary hikes remain a key tool for retaining and attracting talent, their appeal has declined compared to the previous year. Instead, 26% of employers are prioritizing initiatives to enhance employee qualifications or transition them into new roles. Additionally, 21% of organizations are broadening their recruitment efforts to consider candidates previously overlooked.

Katarzyna Pączkowska, Director of Permanent Employment at Manpower, highlighted that Polish employers have been actively discussing workforce activation strategies for years, driven by persistent talent shortages. “Many companies are implementing programs to support women returning to the workforce after parental leave by offering additional training and flexible work arrangements. Another focus is on young professionals entering the job market through tailored internships and development programs,” Pączkowska explained.

To bridge workforce gaps, Polish businesses are increasingly looking beyond national borders. The recruitment of foreign workers—both from within the European Union and outside it—has become an essential strategy. Companies are also investing in upskilling and reskilling initiatives to equip employees with new competencies, particularly in response to automation and emerging sectors such as green technologies.

Flexibility in work arrangements is another strategy being adopted, with 19% of companies offering options related to work location and hours. However, this figure reflects a notable shift in employer preferences, as flexibility was a priority for 45% of companies in the previous year’s report. The trend suggests that while hybrid work models remain, there is a growing inclination among employers to encourage in-office work to foster collaboration and team integration.

“As in previous post-pandemic years, employee expectations continue to prioritize flexibility in working hours and location,” Pączkowska noted. “However, employers are increasingly reintroducing office-based work to enhance productivity and strengthen team cohesion. This evolving dynamic may contribute to higher staff turnover, as employees seek workplaces that align with their professional development and work-life balance preferences.”

On a global scale, the ManpowerGroup report indicates that 28% of employers worldwide are addressing talent shortages by developing employee skills or shifting career paths, while 23% plan wage increases. Meanwhile, 22% of organizations are focusing on enhancing workplace flexibility to retain and attract talent.

As companies continue to face the challenge of balancing business needs with employee expectations, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year in aligning workforce strategies to the evolving job market landscape.

Source: ManpowerGroup and ISBnews