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Interest in temporary jobs surges in Poland amid rising living costs

23.07.2024 22:30
Interest in temporary work has increased by 40 percent in Poland over the past year, as young people retirees, full-time employees and freelancers seek additional sources of income, according to a new report.
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Pixabay LicenseImage by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

This rising trend is attributed mainly to concerns about escalating living costs.

The report, by the recruitment and training company Grupa Progres, suggests that every 10th job advertisement now pertains to temporary work, with significant demand in sectors such as retail, the hotels, restaurants and catering sector (HoReCa), logistics, manufacturing and agriculture.

These industries, often providing temporary job opportunities, are popular among those aiming to supplement their finances.

Remote and hybrid job models are also becoming more common. Among the job ads analyzed, 12 percent offered remote work opportunities, and 18 percent were for hybrid positions, including roles like online store salespeople, customer advisors, remote accountants, virtual assistants, tutors, and cloud-based teachers.

However, 70 percent of these temporary jobs require physical presence due to the nature of the work.

"Interest in earning additional income through temporary work has been increasing for some time," said Monika Molisak-Siwiela, a flexible work specialist from Grupa Progres. "We typically see a peak in applications during the summer and winter seasons."

She added that temporary work could yield earnings from a few hundred to several thousand zlotys, depending on the hours worked. Opportunities range from short-term tasks, such as inventory work, to several weeks or even months, especially in sectors such as HoReCa, construction, trade, logistics and agriculture.

The reported wages vary, with temporary jobs in trade, logistics, transport and food service offering an average of approximately PLN 30 (USD 7.50) per hour. More lucrative opportunities include piecework in agriculture, such as berry picking, where top earners can make up to PLN 7,000-8,000 (USD 1,750-2,000) a month. Similarly, remote and hybrid positions can offer several thousand zloty monthly, with online teachers earning between PLN 2,000-5,000 (USD 500-1,250).

The report also highlights the demographic diversity of those interested in temporary work, including high school and college students, graduates and retirees. Interestingly, many full-time employees also inquire about additional work to boost their income, with some even using vacation time to take on extra jobs.

Under the Polish Labor Code, employers cannot forbid employees from taking on additional work with other employers unless it conflicts with their primary job duties. However, engaging in competitive activities can be prohibited if explicitly stated in the employment contract.

For civil servants, additional employment restrictions may apply, requiring written approval from the director general of the office, according to the Civil Service Act.

(rt/gs)

Source: PAP