As part of the Monthly Economic Index (MIK) study, PIE determined that by the end of February 2026, 11 percent. enterprises hired new employees, and 26 percent plans further recruitment by the end of this year. At the same time, 6 percent companies decided to lay off this year, and 12 percent provides for such activities by the end of 2026.
Among enterprises that have already increased the number of employees, 77 percent intends to continue recruitment in the following months of 2026. However, of the companies that have not expanded their team yet, 19 percent is considering hiring new employees by the end of next year.
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The situation on the labor market varies depending on the industry
More than one third of companies in the construction sector plan to employ new employees in 2026. In turn, in the area of transport, forwarding and logistics (TSL), 28 percent declare such an intention. enterprises. PIE points out that both industries often report difficulties in recruiting employees. These problems were reported by 58 percent. construction companies and 59 percent enterprises from the TSL sector.
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“In other industries, indications for employment reductions are only a few percent, […] the exception is construction, in which 17 percent companies plan layoffs by the end of the year, although hiring plans (34%) still outweigh layoff plans,” noted PIE analysts.
Layoffs most often concern production companies
The study shows that production companies most often decide on layoffs. Already 14 percent of them reduced employment in the first two months of 2026, and a further 10 percent has such plans for the coming months. Among the companies that have already decided on layoffs, 57 percent intends to continue reductions until the end of the year. However, among companies that have not yet carried out layoffs, 10 percent is considering such a step in the coming months of 2026.
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The Polish Economic Institute is a public think tank dealing with economic analysis, preparing reports and recommendations regarding the most important areas of the economy and social life.
