The AI revolution on the Polish labour market
Artificial intelligence (AI) is inevitably changing the structure of the Polish labour market. The report by the Polish Economic Institute presents data that sheds light on how AI is transforming workplaces, affecting various professional groups, regions and sectors of the economy.
The Polish labour market is facing a significant transformation caused by the development of artificial intelligence (AI). This technology, while promising for increased efficiency and competitiveness, also carries risks associated with the automation of workplaces. A report by the Polish Economic Institute in October 2024 analyses in detail which professional groups, regions, and sectors of the economy are most vulnerable to the impact of AI. Responding to these changes will be crucial for the future of the labour market and requires a strategic approach to minimise the negative impacts while maximising the potential of the new technologies.
Automation and the structure of employment
AI is already widely used in areas such as industry, finance and the service sector, leading to significant changes in the workforce structure. In Poland, 3.68 million people, or about 22 percent of all employees, are employed in the professions most susceptible to changes due to the implementation of AI. Professions such as financial specialists (293,700), lawyers (137,200) and programmers and computer systems analysts (359,300) are particularly susceptible to change. The introduction of AI may mean modifications to their duties or even the replacement of their work by machines, which forces employees to quickly adapt and acquire new competences.
Educational inequalities and gender impact
The impact of AI is not evenly distributed, which can lead to an increase in social inequality. People with higher education are most at risk of automation – 82 percent of those working in professions at risk of AI have a university degree. As a result, they will have to adapt most intensively to the changing labour market. By comparison, people with secondary and vocational education are less vulnerable, which can create a new, greater gap in society. AI also affects women more than men. In Poland, 28 percent of working women work in professions that are highly exposed to automation, compared to 17 percent of men. This disparity is due to the fact that women are more likely to work in service and the administrative sectors, where AI technology is more widely used.
Regional variation in AI impact
Differences in vulnerabilities to AI also exist at the regional level. The Mazowieckie Voivodeship, especially Warsaw, has the highest exposure to AI (31 per cent of employees in professions susceptible to automation). Regions with strong urban centres, such as Małopolska and Lower Silesia, also show high exposure. In contrast, Voivodeships with lower levels of urbanization, such as Świętokrzyskie and Lubelskie, are less vulnerable, indicating a growing technology divide. The lack of advanced technologies in these regions may hinder their development and attract investment, further weakening their competitiveness in the long term.
Transformation of the business services sector
The modern business services sector, which employs over 450,000 people in Poland, is facing particularly profound transformations. Until now, it was a place where many young, well educated people began their careers. However, AI can significantly reduce the number of available positions and force the conversion of current ones. The increase in the use of artificial intelligence is changing the work in this sector, requiring greater technological proficiency from employees. The authors of the report point out that jobs may be “displaced, transformed, augmented or integrated with AI”, which will make it more difficult for young graduates to enter the market. In addition, with an aging population and a projected workforce decline of 2.1 million people by 2035, AI can be both an opportunity and a threat.
Education and digital competences
The development of digital skills is essential to prepare the Polish labour market for the upcoming changes. Currently, only 44.3 percent of Poles have at least basic digital skills, which is well below the EU average. This is a serious problem that can inhibit the adoption of new technologies and make automation do more harm than good. Investments in education and professional development programs are necessary. Examples from France and Sweden, such as Individual Learning Accounts and training leaves, show how effectively employees can be supported in acquiring new skills.
The need for regulation and monitoring
The development of AI also requires appropriate regulations to ensure the safety and responsible use of technology. Currently, only 3.7 percent of Polish companies use AI, but this number is growing rapidly. Introducing regulations in line with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is crucial to prevent abuse and protect personal data. Poland also needs to monitor how AI affects the labour market in order to be able to react quickly to negative consequences. Data analysis and policy customization are essential steps to enable the safe and efficient implementation of AI. In this way, it will be possible to take advantage of the opportunities offered by automation without exposing employees to unnecessary risks.
AI is changing the rules of the game on the Polish labour market, but how we deal with this technological revolution will depend on well-thought-out decisions, investment in people and appropriate regulations. The future of the labour market is not just a matter of technology – it is primarily a question of how to adapt our society and economy to the new realities. The right strategies and readiness for change will be crucial for AI to become a tool to support development, not a source of inequality and instability.
Source: The Polish Economic Institute, „AI na polskim rynku pracy”
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