Poland faces a serious demographic challenge. According to forecasts, the number of people of working age will fall by over 20 percent. This perspective prompts entrepreneurs to look for new sources of talent far beyond Europe. Experts estimate that the Polish economy will need support of up to 5 million employees from abroad to maintain the pace of development. Employers begin to discover the potential of employees from the other end of the world. And those – as the data show – repay not only with hard work, but also with loyalty.
– The states were my first choice, but Poland turned out to be a real opportunity – this is how Jorge from Paraguay sums its decision to emigrate, who in applying for a visa to be able to go to the United States, collided with a wall of bureaucracy. In Poland, everything turned out to be simple: legal employment, fast start and clear procedures that do not deter.
The report “Work in Poland: Stereotypes of Latin Americans” confirms that economics still remains the foundation of migration decisions – 39 percent. Latinos arrives in Poland looking for better salaries. However, motivations are complex: every fourth respondent indicates professional development opportunities, and 17 percent. He treats work in Poland as a way to improve the life of a family left in his homeland.
Statistics confirm the economic sense of such a decision. The average employee from Latin America earns in Poland 3262 PLN net per month – the amount that 76 percent respondents are assessed as higher or significantly higher than earnings in countries of origin. For comparison, in Peru, the average salary is only PLN 906, in Colombia PLN 1337, and in Mexico PLN 1757 per month.
This balance between finances and the quality of life seems crucial – over 83 percent. Latinos declares satisfaction with its professional experience in Poland, despite the challenges related to cultural differences, climate and language barrier.
Fears before leaving and the first difficulties
Departure from the other end of the world is not a simple decision. According to data, the greatest fear of Latinos before arrival in Poland is the language barrier – it was indicated by 32 percent. respondents. The next ones were legalization procedures (26 percent), finding accommodation (18 %), a long recruitment process (12 %) and high living costs (nine percent).
It is surprising, however, that cultural adaptation (five percent) and climate (three percent) aroused relatively little fears. Perhaps because contact networks and commands play a big role in the departure decision. Until 54 percent Migrants came to Poland thanks to the recommendations of family or friends.
Ready to study and integrate
Although the language initially raises the greatest anxiety, most migrants do not intend to stop at basic communication. All respondents declare their willingness to improve knowledge of Polish, and 65 percent. He perceives language courses as a key element of integration support.
But it's not just about learning a language. South American employees value integration meetings (19 percent) and access to knowledge about Polish culture (16 %), which shows their openness and the desire to adapt.
– A strong desire to assimilate and learn Polish clearly distinguishes Latin American residents from employees from Asia, where the language and cultural barrier is usually much greater. All this means that people from the Latam region can successfully and permanently enter our socio-professional landscape-sums up Marcin Ostrowski, director of operation and development of the folga.
Why are they staying permanently?
The most surprising report of the report? 67 percent Latin American immigrants are planning to stay in Poland permanently, and another 29 percent. considers this possibility. Just Four percent plans to return to your homeland.
Experts pay attention to the positive experiences of Latin employees in Poland, especially compared to the situation in the United States. This positive assessment translates into a low level of rotation among employees. Employees from South America are less likely to change the employer or return to the country of origin, which is great value for companies.
– At first they were supposed to be two years, but now I would like to stay here permanently – says Lorena of Mexico. – I see no reason to come back. She likes the fact that people are warm and helpful, despite the fact that he does not know the language. Julian from Colombia values above all that Poland is safe. Safety and peace are a value that almost all Latin employees emphasize.
From the point of view of the labor market it is priceless. In a country where there are no hands to work dramatically, and demographic forecasts are inexorable, loyal, motivated migrants who want to stay here are a great opportunity.
Not only employees – potential neighbors, citizens, friends
According to the report, employees from Latin America are distinguished not only by professional competences, but above all with a long -term attitude. The vast majority of them, almost 7 out of 10 respondents, declare their willingness to stay in Poland permanently, and another 29 percent. He seriously considers this possibility. It is a significantly higher indicator than other groups of earning migrants.
As experts emphasize, Latin American migrants show particularly strong motivation to learn Polish (100 % of respondents declare their desire to improve their language skills) and actively participate in local communities.
This approach is of great importance from the perspective of employers looking for stable and loyal employees. However, it is not enough to provide the contract and remuneration – adaptation programs, language courses and help in legalizing your stay are key. Such an investment brings measurable benefits in the form of lower rotation and higher employee involvement.
The experience of Latin American employees create a script favorable to both sides: employers gain loyal and involved employees, and migrants find a place where they can not only work but also live. In the face of demographic challenges that Poland faces, it is a trend that is not worth ignorant.
