Warmia and Masuria is one of the few regions where there is no shortage of manual labor
While almost all of Poland entrepreneurs have difficulties in recruiting blue-collar workers, there is no shortage of workers in Warmia and Mazury. However, experts warn that the surge in the minimum wage has contributed to a decrease in efficiency and high staff turnover.
According to the Central Statistical Office, in July the registered unemployment rate in Poland remained at the level of 5 per cent. Theoretically, this means that if someone wants to work, they should have no problem finding employment. Unfortunately, in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, the reality on the labor market is not so colorful. According to the estimates of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, the July unemployment rate in the region was as high as 8.1 per cent. Despite this, labour market experts note that in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship – although not at the same pace as in the rest of the country – there is also a decrease in manual labour.
– In Warmia and Mazury, there is no major problem with recruiting people to work in production and warehouses. However, compared to previous years, there is a visible difference in minus when it comes to the number of candidates – says Katarzyna Dąderewicz, Director of Northern Region Development at LeasingTeam Group.
The gap between regions can also be seen in the level of wages. The average gross salary in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in June 2023 was PLN 5969.17. It is therefore 20 percent lower than in the Pomeranian Voivodeship (PLN 7,512.35) and as much as about 30 percent compared to the Mazowieckie Voivodeship (PLN 8,475.22).
– In the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, employees with specific skills and qualifications, such as forklift operators, are offered a gross rate of PLN 27-28 per hour. On the other hand, in Pomerania, a comparable or slightly lower salary can be received for performing basic activities that require virtually no qualifications. In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, PLN 25 gross per man-hour for the simplest activities is the absolute minimum – says Katarzyna Dąderewicz, Director of Northern Region Development at LeasingTeam Group.
The differences in rates for basic physical work are related to the geographical location of individual voivodeships. In Mazovia, the average salary is being raised in Warsaw. In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the rates are attractive due to the close proximity to the border with Germany. Many people have chosen to pay in euros, so companies have to compete harder for employees in terms of wages. However, not all entrepreneurs are able to do this.
– Rising employment costs are a very heavy burden for employers and not everyone can afford price competition. Smaller entrepreneurs in particular are starting to have problems, for whom running a business may become unprofitable at some point – says Wojciech Rybicki, Director of Centre Region Development at LeasingTeam Group.
High turnover and low quality of work
Since July this year, the minimum wage in Poland has been PLN 3,600 gross, and in the case of an hourly rate – PLN 23.50 gross. According to experts, the second increase in the minimum wage this year
contributes to the flattening of salaries and, consequently, to a drastic decrease in motivation to work and increased employee turnover.
– In a situation where wage conditions are becoming more and more similar, blue-collar workers, especially the least qualified ones, are looking for a lighter and easier job that they can do for similar money. Unfortunately, we are also observing a decrease in commitment to the implementation of the tasks entrusted to us – says Wojciech Rybicki, Director of Centre Region Development at LeasingTeam Group.
The increased turnover of employees in Warmia and Mazury is also related to the holiday season. It turns out that many people from the region, guided by the amount of earnings, are employed in seasonal work in Pomerania.
– Seasonal work is characterized by a short period of employment, so the rates are higher: from PLN 28 to even PLN 35 gross per man-hour. Therefore, during the holiday season, we notice a decrease in interest in permanent work. Many people take up temporary work in the West during the season, but also often in the neighbourhood – in Pomerania. From September, everything returns to normal, i.e. the interest in permanent offers increases – sums up Katarzyna Dąderewicz, Director for Northern Region Development at LeasingTeam Group.
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