Work in an Era of Change: What Do Poles Need to Meet New Challenges?
- dariafulei
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
The labour market in Poland is developing at a rapid pace. Not only is the number of jobs and forms of employment changing, but also the way we work, learn and plan our careers. The latest PARP report shows that today’s employees need more than knowledge or certificates. The key skill is the ability to function effectively in a world that is changing faster than educational standards can keep up.
Employment dynamics and new challenges
Statistical data helps to better understand the background of these changes. The registered unemployment rate in Poland remains at around 5–6 percent, which ensures relative labour market stability while at the same time requiring preparation for new forms of employment and changing employer expectations. Companies forecast a moderate increase in the number of jobs, with many planning to maintain employment at current levels while simultaneously increasing wages where possible. This situation shows that challenges related to automation and technological development should be balanced by investments in the development of employees’ skills.
A new alphabet of skills. What really matters?
The PARP report indicates that there is growing demand in the modern labour market for skills that combine social, technological, and economic capabilities into a coherent whole. These are the skills that enable effective functioning in a dynamically changing professional environment. Key areas include:
adaptability – readiness for change and the ability to learn quickly, including the capacity to modify ways of working in response to changing conditions
emotional intelligence – understanding one’s own emotions and effective cooperation with others, based on empathy, trust, and building lasting professional relationships
critical thinking – analysing information from different perspectives and anticipating the consequences of decisions taken
digital proficiency – conscious use of technological tools in achieving professional and business goals
an ethical approach to artificial intelligence – understanding the possibilities and limitations of AI and the responsible use of technology in professional work
These skills are increasingly becoming part of employers’ real expectations and may determine employees’ ability to function in a work environment driven by technological development.
Where do these skills matter?
Technological progress, including the dynamic development of artificial intelligence, is changing the nature of many professions. Automation is taking over repetitive tasks while increasing the importance of work that requires creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking. Today, employees are expected not only to operate digital tools efficiently, but also to cooperate effectively with technology and other people.
In practice, this means a greater emphasis on empathy, communication, reflection, and creative problem solving. These areas are becoming increasingly resistant to automation and are gaining importance in the modern work environment.
What does this mean for education and professional development?
Changes in the labour market also have educational and strategic implications. Education systems and professional development programmes must combine the transfer of specialised knowledge with the development of general skills that enable functioning in dynamically changing conditions.
What is becoming increasingly important is not so much in-depth knowledge of a single technology, but the ability to learn, collaborate and think critically. These skills make it possible to respond to unpredictable situations and consciously build one’s professional position in the long term.
Skills as a strategic investment
The labour market is constantly evolving, redefining both the way work is performed and the set of skills that have real value. Digital and social skills are increasingly complementing one another, forming the foundation for effective performance in a modern professional environment.
Investing in adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, digital proficiency, and an ethical approach to artificial intelligence has become a conscious strategic decision. These skills not only enable individuals to respond to change, but also to actively shape their position in a labour market based on flexibility, responsibility, and the effective integration of technology with human potential.
