Poland uses its unused labour potential better than anyone in the EU

Poland currently has the lowest level of unused labour potential in the European Union – just 5.0%. This is an impressive result compared to the EU average of 11.7%. It means that the Polish labour market is one of the most dynamic and efficient in Europe. For investors, this is a clear signal: Poland is a country that knows how to fully utilise its human capital and maintain high employment activity.

The data speaks clearly: Poland leads in labour efficiency

According to the Polish Economic Institute, in 2024 unused labour potential in Poland amounted to only 5.0%, compared with 13.1% in 2015. That’s a drop of more than half over a decade – a sign of consistent strengthening of the labour market.

Across the EU, the so-called “labour market slack” includes unemployed people, those working part-time but willing to work more hours, and individuals able to work but not currently seeking a job. The smaller the slack, the more efficiently a country uses its labour resources. Poland ranks at the very top of the EU list, just ahead of Malta (5.1%) and Slovenia and Hungary (6.3% each). In contrast, Spain’s rate reaches as high as 19.3%.

Fewer reserves – Poland’s economy running at full speed

In 2024, only 0.2% of the extended labour force in Poland consisted of people seeking work but temporarily unavailable, and 1.1% were people available but not seeking employment. This is significantly below the EU average of 0.4% and 2.7% respectively.

This means that the Polish economy is using nearly all of its unused labour potential. Hidden reserves – for example, people inactive due to care or health reasons – are relatively few and difficult to mobilise quickly. This illustrates how effectively the Polish labour market has been organised in recent years.

Young Poles are also becoming more active

Among people aged 15–24, the labour market slack in Poland reached 16.6%, while the EU average was as high as 28%. Although young people change jobs more frequently and combine work with education, the data shows that entering the labour market in Poland is becoming increasingly effective. By comparison, unused labour potential among young people exceeds 50% in Sweden, while in the Czech Republic and Germany – similar to Poland – it falls below 15%.

Poland – a market where capital meets competence

Such low levels of unused labour potential show that Poland has reached a point where capital and competence meet in perfect balance. For investors, this means an environment of high operational stability and low employment risk. Companies can plan for long-term growth, supported by employees who not only do their jobs, but actively contribute to economic expansion. It is in such conditions that the most effective investments are born.

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The data from Eurostat and the Polish Economic Institute leaves no doubt – Poland has found a way to make the most of its human resources while maintaining a balance between efficiency and stability. In a Europe increasingly competing for skilled workers, this achievement commands genuine respect.

For investors, the message is clear: Poland is a country where work delivers results.