Hundreds of thousands with disabilities untapped in Polish workforce
Poland’s 2025 labor market shows a paradox: record-low unemployment but hundreds of thousands of skilled people with disabilities still excluded from work. Despite subsidies and supported-employment programs, the main barrier remains everyday employer practices and a mindset focused on “help” rather than true collaboration. Stories of Grzegorz, Patrycja, and Daniel illustrate how tailored job design, individualized support, and inclusive onboarding can transform lives and restore independence. Yet Eurostat data show a persistent 30-point gap in employment between people with and without disabilities in Poland.
Although employers can receive up to PLN 4,140 monthly in subsidies, many remain unaware of the potential. The debate is shifting toward concrete strategies for building genuinely inclusive workplaces.
