As many as 43% of Poles say openly that they could support themselves solely through project-based work. The most open to this model are managers and members of Generation Z. Despite the growing interest in flexibility, the traditional full-time employment contract still provides the strongest sense of security—81% of respondents consider it the most attractive form of employment. These are the findings of an analysis by Manpower.
Manpower’s survey results show that a full-time employment contract remains the most popular form of work (81%). Far fewer respondents prefer a part-time contract (17%), a contract of mandate or contract for specific work (11%), or a B2B contract (11%). Participants were asked whether they would consider project-based work as their only form of employment—meaning carrying out specific projects or assignments instead of maintaining a permanent job. Among those surveyed, 43% say they would consider such a model, 40% say it is not for them, and 17% remain undecided.
– “The Polish labour market increasingly appreciates flexible forms of cooperation. The employment contract remains the foundation—offering stability and predictability—yet alongside it there is growing room for B2B contracts, which give candidates more freedom and a sense of control over their own career path. More and more candidates are expressing openness to clearly defined contracts that combine security with diverse professional experiences. This is a Polish version of the gig economy—not random gigs, but ambitious projects across many industries. In engineering, these include R&D, launching new production lines and plants, modernization of installations, automation and robotics projects, and technology transfers. In consulting, project-based work includes transformation audits, ESG strategy implementation, supply-chain reorganizations and comprehensive change programs,” says Marta Szymańska, labour-market expert and manager at Manpower.
Generation Z Prioritizes Flexibility
The analysis reveals clear generational differences in preferred forms of employment. A full-time employment contract is most common among people aged 30–39 (90%) and 40–49 (85%). It is chosen less often by those in their fifties (82%), by Generation Z (75%) and by workers aged 60+ (70%)—although it remains the most preferred form in all groups. Part-time work is selected most frequently by workers aged 60+ (23%), while young people aged 18–29 choose B2B contracts more often than other generations (15%).
– “Two parallel shifts are becoming increasingly visible in the labour market. On one hand, Generation Z is far more willing than earlier generations to choose flexible models such as B2B contracts, project-based work and hybrid combinations of multiple activities. For younger workers, autonomy and the ability to shape their own professional path are simply more important than the stability of a traditional job. This is the result of both changing values and recent experiences—such as the pandemic, remote work and digitalization—which showed that a career does not have to be linear. At the same time, interest in flexible work arrangements is also growing among people aged 60+. More seniors are choosing part-time work to gradually transition into retirement or simply remain professionally active. In an ageing society, this trend can genuinely ease labour-market pressures and help companies retain key competencies. It is worth remembering that individuals with long professional experience play a crucial role in knowledge transfer, and flexible working hours give them the space to do so without excessive organizational or health-related strain,” emphasizes Marta Szymańska.
