Amid growing technological disruption and economic instability, many Polish employees are holding off on career moves, according to the Michael Page Talent Trends 2025 report. The number of professionals actively seeking new jobs has dropped by 14 percentage points compared to last year. Additionally, fewer employees are negotiating raises, and trust in employers is eroding, particularly as generative AI becomes a regular part of working life.
Job Uncertainty Grows Despite Low Unemployment
Poland’s unemployment rate remains low—5.2% as of June 2025, according to the national statistics office (GUS)[¹]—but workers are still hesitant. Only 34% of employees are currently active job seekers, down from nearly half the workforce just a year ago. Similarly, fewer workers are negotiating salary increases, and only 19% of those who try are successful.
One of the biggest factors influencing workplace sentiment is the shift in work environments and expectations. For example, 40% of employees say they would consider changing jobs if required to return to the office more frequently. Meanwhile, 47% of working Poles are already using generative AI in their daily tasks.
“We’re seeing significant uncertainty in the job market. Companies are cautious about hiring, and employees are less likely to pursue new opportunities or salary negotiations. In this environment, trust becomes essential for building stable and resilient organizations,” says Konrad Michałek, Senior Director and Board Member at Michael Page Poland.
“Trust fosters engaged teams that are better equipped to manage change and drive business success.”
Trust is the Foundation of Resilient Workplaces
In times of volatility, internal trust is what holds companies together. Yet the Talent Trends 2025 report shows that 77% of employees worry about being monitored by their employers—an issue that erodes psychological safety and team cohesion.
At the same time, many employees perceive a lack of organizational transparency, particularly around:
- Tough decision-making (57%)
- Responsiveness to employee feedback (52%)
- Communicating challenges (47%)
- Sharing financial information (45%)
Transparent practices don’t just support morale—they can become a strategic differentiator in a competitive talent market.
“Trust is the foundation of every strong organization. It drives engagement and motivation in teams that are capable of handling complex challenges,” Michałek explains.
“In an era of economic pressure and rapid change, open internal communication is essential for building organizational resilience and achieving business goals.”
Generative AI and Remote Work Reshape Expectations
As digital tools—especially generative AI—become embedded in daily workflows, workplace expectations are evolving. Employees increasingly value flexibility and autonomy, and are more likely to judge companies by their digital maturity and ethical practices.
These changes are impacting how people evaluate employers. According to the report:
- The drop in job search activity reflects a wait-and-see approach amid uncertain conditions.
- More professionals are looking for trustworthy and transparent workplaces before making career moves.
Employees Are Paying Close Attention
The report shows that jobseekers are becoming more discerning, and companies that fail to communicate transparently may struggle to attract or retain talent. Many employees are willing to walk away from roles that don’t meet their expectations.
For example, 36% of candidates regularly skip job offers that don’t include salary information, according to earlier research from Michael Page. As AI adoption accelerates and work models evolve, trust and clarity will become more important than ever.
Key Takeaways from Michael Page Talent Trends 2025:
- Job-seeking activity dropped by 14 percentage points vs. 2024
- Only 19% of employees who negotiate raises succeed
- 40% would switch jobs over stricter in-office policies
- 47% already use generative AI in their daily work
- 77% worry about employer surveillance
- Over 50% cite a lack of transparency in leadership decisions
As Michałek concludes, “building trust, enabling honest communication, and committing to transparency aren’t just ethical obligations—they’re business necessities in today’s workplace.”
Sources:
[1] GUS – Registered Unemployment and Rate, June 2025
[2][3] Talent Trends 2025, Michael Page, June 2025
Source article: CEO.com.pl – Growing Use of AI Reshapes Work Expectations and Career Decisions
