According to the latest ManpowerGroup Workforce Outlook (H1 2025), 59% of companies in Poland report increased difficulty in hiring qualified white-collar specialists. The pressure is especially visible in Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Technology roles — areas where market expectations and required skill sets have evolved significantly faster than most organisations' hiring processes.
This insight summarises the real reasons behind the growing talent shortage, how it affects employers, and which hiring behaviors now differentiate successful companies from those consistently losing candidates.
Executive Summary
- Polish employers face increasing difficulty sourcing hybrid-skilled professionals in Finance and Legal.
- Candidate expectations (flexibility, clarity, digital maturity) outpace how most companies present roles.
- Process speed has become a defining competitive advantage — slow hiring = lost candidates.
- High-skill white-collar talent is becoming more selective and evaluates companies beyond salary.
- Organisations with a strong EVP and structured process convert offers at much higher rates.
🍀 What’s Going Wrong?
Employers seek candidates with stronger business acumen, digital fluency, and cross-border exposure. These profiles exist — but are limited in supply, especially in Finance and Legal.
Talent increasingly prioritises hybrid work, meaningful responsibilities, modern leadership, and transparent progression — areas where many companies still lag behind.
We observe top-tier candidates dropping out after Week 1–2 if communication slows. Speed and structure are now non-negotiable.
💡 What We're Seeing in the Market
Specialists in Finance and Legal are increasingly selective. They evaluate opportunities holistically, comparing elements such as:
- role clarity & decision-making authority
- team culture and leadership quality
- tools, systems, and digital maturity
- flexibility and work–life expectations
- career development pathways
The shift is clear: the market now rewards employers who articulate purpose, culture, and impact — not just salary.
🔎 Our Perspective at TALANTY PARTNERS
Across Eastern Europe, we observe a persistent gap between what companies believe they are offering and what high-performing candidates expect. Organisations that adjust their interview structure, job design, and EVP messaging achieve notably higher conversion rates.
The companies winning talent today typically have:
- A fast, structured hiring process with clear communication
- A compelling narrative about mission, culture, and leadership
- Realistic expectations about skill availability in the Polish market
📬 Need Support?
At TALANTY PARTNERS, we help employers design hiring processes and value propositions that actually convert — particularly for senior roles in Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Technology.
Want insights on how your open roles compare to current market benchmarks? We're here to help.
📫 Contact us: contact@talanty.partners