Poland continues to be one of the key markets for the business services sector (BSS), attracting global investors and implementing increasingly advanced operations. According to the latest report from Grafton Recruitment, the number of employees in the industry is consistently growing, and the nature of processes carried out in Poland is undergoing transformation. BSS centers are increasingly handling complex projects in analytics, IT, finance, and risk management, demonstrating the growing maturity of the market. While the major hubs—Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw—still dominate, other cities are also gaining importance.
Stable Growth and Development of Specialized Services
Employment in the BSS sector in Poland has been steadily increasing, surpassing 457,100 people in 2024. Over the past decade, the number of employees in the industry has nearly tripled (compared to approximately 127,000 in 2014) and has grown by 3.74% compared to 2023. The consistent increase in employment, even during periods of economic uncertainty, indicates Poland’s strong position as an operational and technological hub for global organizations.
In Central and Eastern Europe, Poland remains the leader in terms of employment scale in the BSS sector. Compared to neighboring countries, it offers the largest access to skilled specialists and a well-developed business infrastructure. The sector attracts investors not only with competitive costs but primarily with its ability to execute advanced processes. Increasingly, operations requiring expert knowledge, including IT services, financial analytics, and cybersecurity, are being transferred to Poland.
“The rising labor costs in Poland are causing some services to be relocated outside Europe, but we are now receiving more complex processes that require specialized competencies. Despite these changes, Poland remains a key player in the BSS market. Our strengths in attracting foreign capital include speaking the language of business, high work quality, and strong competencies. Maintaining competitiveness requires the sector to stay ahead of trends, strengthen its competitive advantages, and seek new opportunities,” says Ewa Michalska, Chief Operating Officer at Grafton Recruitment.
Companies investing in Poland also recognize the growing strength of the technology ecosystem. Sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and startups are developing rapidly and collaborating with international BSS centers in research and development (R&D). This further reinforces Poland’s role as a hub for innovative solutions implemented in global markets.
“Poland is strengthening its position as a key location for advanced BSS services in Europe. Companies appreciate the highly qualified workforce, well-developed infrastructure, and access to modern technologies, making the country a natural choice for global investors. Additionally, the dynamic development of the IT sector attracts an increasing number of projects requiring specialized knowledge. More and more companies are transferring strategic decision-making processes to Poland, reflecting the growing maturity of the market. In the coming years, we can expect further investments in automation, data analysis, and cybersecurity,” says Joanna Wanatowicz, Managing Director at Grafton Recruitment.
Major BSS Hubs in Poland – Dominance of Large Cities and Regional Growth
The largest business service centers in Poland are concentrated in Krakow, Warsaw, and Wroclaw, employing over 250,000 BSS professionals collectively. Krakow remains the leader in employment, specializing in IT services, finance, and R&D. Warsaw is developing advanced financial services, data analytics, and risk management, while Wroclaw attracts investors with its strong technological and engineering base.
Beyond the main hubs, other cities such as Tricity, Poznan, and Katowice are also gaining prominence. Tricity is becoming an IT and logistics hub, Poznan is developing financial and HR services, and Katowice focuses on modern technologies and business analytics. The growth of these locations indicates further decentralization of the sector, which is gaining importance across different regions of the country.
Some cities are also specializing in niche sectors. Lodz is increasingly chosen by companies involved in robotic process automation (RPA), while Rzeszow attracts investors from the aerospace and engineering sectors. This geographic and specialization diversity makes Poland a flexible and business-friendly environment for the further development of the BSS sector.
The Future of the BSS Sector in Poland – Technological Development and Workforce Challenges
Poland remains one of the key markets for the business services sector, and investors see significant potential for further growth. In the coming years, the expansion of advanced services, particularly in modern technology, data analytics, and finance, is expected to continue.
One of the main trends shaping the sector’s future will be the increasing role of automation and artificial intelligence. Companies are heavily investing in process optimization tools, increasing the demand for specialists capable of integrating AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics into BSS operations. Poland is becoming one of Europe’s key digital transformation centers, with modern solutions in the BSS sector enhancing the competitiveness of the entire economy.
“The era of simple, repetitive tasks is ending, giving way to algorithm-driven processes. Recognizing this trend, industry leaders have been preparing their teams for AI-driven operations and advanced data analysis. This shift is not surprising, as the industry has demonstrated adaptability, creativity, and diligence over the years. Additionally, the sector is transforming with the entry of Generation Z into the workforce. They seek to work in alignment with their values and expect partnership and empathy from managers. The growing importance of work-life balance means that adapting organizational culture and workplace flexibility policies is now a given,” says Wojciech Bartz, Partner and Head of Business Services Practice at Wyser Executive Search.
At the same time, rising technological demands mean that companies face challenges in attracting and retaining top-tier specialists. The increasing importance of digital competencies makes collaboration between the BSS sector and universities, as well as talent development programs, crucial in addressing skill shortages.
“The BSS sector in Poland will continue to grow, and its future depends on further investments in employee competencies and technological innovation. Companies that focus on talent development and advanced solutions will gain the greatest market advantage. The ability to adapt to rapidly changing trends, especially in AI and process automation, will be crucial. Strong partnerships between the private sector and universities will also play a key role in training the specialists of the future. In the long term, Poland has the potential to become not just an operational center but also a place where innovative business models and technological solutions are developed for global markets,” says Michał Piernik, Division & Business Development Manager at Grafton Recruitment.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/zatrudnienie-w-bss-rosnie-ponad-457-tys-pracownikow-w-polsce-42011
