Poles aged 55 and over are demonstrating a strong attachment to job stability, according to the latest edition of the “Polish Labour Market Barometer” by Personnel Service. While nearly half of respondents in this age group evaluate their professional situation positively, only a small percentage believe that 2025 will bring improvements. Most do not intend to change jobs, though a significant number are still planning to seek pay increases. The survey shows that 50% of workers aged 55+ describe their current work situation as good or very good, with another 35% rating it as neutral. Only 11% reported dissatisfaction with their position. However, when asked about expectations for the coming year, just 2% expressed optimism—marking the lowest level of confidence among all age groups surveyed. Most, 66%, expect no change in their employment situation, and 13% fear it could worsen. Plans for the future reflect this cautious outlook. While 24% of older workers intend to request a raise, just 9% plan to take a course to improve qualifications, and 12% are considering a move to a higher-paying job. Notably, 29% of respondents said they would not take any steps toward increasing their earnings. Additionally, 73% of those aged 55 and over do not plan to change jobs within the next six months, and only 8% are actively considering new employment opportunities. The main reasons older workers choose to stay in their current roles include job security, cited by 70% of respondents, followed by a positive work environment (50%) and salary (41%). These results suggest that non-financial factors, such as interpersonal relationships and a sense of stability, are as important as income for many in this demographic. According to data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the number of working retirees is steadily rising. By the end of 2024, there were 872,600 retirees still employed—half the number recorded in 2015. Labour market expert and Personnel Service founder Krzysztof Inglot considers this trend encouraging, particularly in the context of Poland’s ageing population and workforce shortages. Inglot points out, however, that challenges remain. Many employers continue to favour younger candidates, and older workers often perceive limited career prospects for themselves. This dynamic is compounded by lingering age discrimination. Yet with demographic shifts underway, there is growing pressure to retain experienced staff. He adds that while initiatives like wage subsidies for older workers are promising, broader measures are needed to support their continued employment. One suggestion is offering personal income tax relief for workers over the age of 55, similar to existing incentives for those under 26. Such reforms, Inglot argues, would not only benefit individual workers but also strengthen the broader economy by preserving knowledge and ensuring generational continuity in the labour market. The survey was conducted using the CAWI method on the Ariadna research panel in January 2025. Responses were collected from a national sample of companies and workers, providing insight into the current sentiments and expectations of older employees across Poland. Source: Personal Service