Ukrainians appreciate Poland’s labor market, but few plan to stay permanently

Despite a broadly positive perception of the Polish labor market among Ukrainians, only a small proportion plan to remain in the country permanently, according to the latest “Barometer of the Polish Labor Market” published by Personnel Service.

The report reveals that 88% of Ukrainian respondents positively assess the employment conditions in Poland, citing economic stability, low unemployment, and cultural proximity as key advantages. However, sentiment toward Polish society has weakened. Currently, 64.25% of Ukrainians report a favorable view of Poles—down six percentage points from the previous survey. Only 14% of Ukrainians are considering long-term settlement in Poland, indicating that most still regard the country as a temporary workplace rather than a permanent home.

Gender differences in perception are notable. Ukrainian women are significantly more likely than men to express positive sentiments toward Poland, with 69.1% holding a favorable view compared to just 56.3% of men. This trend may be influenced by the strong support women and children received from Poland following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

According to Krzysztof Inglot, a labor market expert and founder of Personnel Service, the dynamic between Poles and Ukrainians is evolving. “The initial wave of solidarity is giving way to the realities of day-to-day life, bringing new social and economic challenges,” he explained.

Among Poles, attitudes toward Ukrainians are becoming more reserved. While the majority—48%—maintain a neutral view, the proportion expressing positive sentiment has dropped sharply to 23%, a 12-point decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, the share of those with negative perceptions has increased to 24%, up by six points.

Concerns about wage stagnation and job security are fueling some of this sentiment shift. Although only 18% of Polish respondents fear losing their jobs to Ukrainian workers, 41% believe the influx of Ukrainian labor is contributing to slower wage growth. About one-third (32%) see no impact, while 28% remain unsure.

“Poles understand that Ukrainian workers typically fill roles where there is a labor shortage,” Inglot added. “Yet in an environment of economic uncertainty, it’s natural to see a softening of positive sentiment.”

Despite this shift, Poland remains the leading employment destination for Ukrainian workers in the EU, highlighting its continued importance in regional labor mobility.

The findings are based on a survey conducted between January 20 and 28, 2025, using the CAWI method (Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing) on the Ariadna panel. The study included responses from 329 companies of various sizes across Poland.

Source: Personnal Service