The attractiveness of seasonal work among foreigners in Poland remains at a stable level, although the growing popularity of other forms of employment, such as on-call work or flexible contracts, may lead to a decrease in the number of work permits issued and job postings.
There are still industries that, during certain periods of the year, largely rely on seasonal labor. One such sector is agriculture, which for many workers turns out to be more appealing than, for example, logistics. Experts from Smart Solutions explain why jobs in the agricultural sector are gaining an advantage over other industries and what makes it a more desirable choice for many people.
Is the Seasonal Job Market in Poland Declining?
According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), in 2024 employers submitted over 57,000 applications for seasonal work permits — a 21% decrease compared to the previous year. These figures indicate that the seasonal job market in Poland is gradually shrinking. However, the summer season still remains the time of year when seasonal workers, especially foreigners, are in the highest demand. The sectors with the greatest need include agriculture and horticulture, hospitality and catering, retail trade, logistics and warehousing, and construction.
Agriculture is one of the sectors with the highest seasonal demand during the summer. In recent years, the industry has faced numerous challenges, such as climate change, droughts, and a shortage of labor. This makes seasonal workers essential to the growth and functioning of the agricultural sector.
“In the state budget for 2025, 84.3 billion PLN has been allocated to the agricultural sector, which represents a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. A larger budget — and consequently more innovation and investment — means higher demand for workers,” says Mateusz Zubik, Project Manager at Smart Solutions HR. “The growing importance of this sector, combined with the seasonal nature of harvests, forces farmers to invest in workers who can perform seasonal tasks quickly and efficiently. Farms are intensifying recruitment efforts, especially during the harvest period for fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and apples.”
During the so-called peak season for employment, temporary workers have opportunities to work across many sectors. Experts from Smart Solutions HR note that jobs in the agricultural sector are the most popular — the number of people employed in this area is growing daily. Moreover, workers who are employed in other industries during the winter and spring often switch to agriculture during the summer season.
“When analyzing the seasonal job market, we can identify a clear group of workers who consistently choose employment solely in the agricultural sector. This is confirmed by the experience of our clients in this field. Many workers — both Polish and foreign — form a stable group that returns to the same farms each year to work during harvests or plant care,” says Izabela Samulska-Ugorska, Business Development Manager at Smart Solutions HR. “Clients in the agricultural sector report having a circle of trusted, returning workers, with accommodation already reserved for them on-site. These employees value working outdoors, close to nature. Many of them spend 6–8 months a year in agriculture, migrating between crop regions — from strawberry picking to apple and pear harvests.”
Why the Field Wins Over the Warehouse
What makes the agricultural sector so appealing? According to experts, the choice of seasonal work in agriculture over logistics is no coincidence.
“Despite increasing automation and professionalization of warehouse processes, agricultural work is more often chosen by seasonal workers, especially foreigners,” says Mateusz Zubik. “There are several reasons for this preference. The first is job security and a sense of stability. Although seasonal work is time-limited, many workers prefer it because it doesn’t carry the risk of sudden layoffs that can occur in the logistics sector. In logistics, employment often depends on changing market conditions and order volumes, making the work less predictable. In addition, workers can expect better employment conditions. Farms and plantations frequently offer accommodation, meals, and a dedicated coordinator — which for foreign workers translates into lower living costs and an easier start.”
Another advantage of working in agriculture is the piece-rate pay system, which allows employees to earn more than in hourly-wage jobs. This system gives workers real control over their income, enabling many of them to work on their own terms. It also eliminates the group-based bonus structure commonly found in other industries. Workers don’t have to worry about whether team or shift KPIs are met in order to qualify for a bonus.
Equally important is the elimination of skill and language barriers. Seasonal agricultural work does not require specialized experience or skills, and the tasks themselves are relatively simple. Jobs like fruit picking or vegetable sorting don’t demand knowledge of the Polish language or technical expertise. In contrast, work in logistics often involves shift systems, enclosed warehouse environments, scanners, and IT systems. For many seasonal workers — especially those without prior experience in Poland — such conditions can be more challenging.
“The international nature of the agricultural sector, where workers from various countries cooperate with each other, results in minimal language barriers — a significant advantage compared to other industries. Equally important is the work atmosphere — in agriculture, seasonal employees often work in groups of fellow countrymen, which reduces cultural barriers and makes adaptation easier. All of this makes agricultural work attractive and, for many, simply more accessible — even if the wages are comparable to other sectors,” sums up Zubik.
According to experts, the growing popularity of seasonal work in agriculture may serve as a catalyst for a shift in employers’ approaches.
“This trend highlights the need for a more flexible approach to employment in agriculture and for seasonal work to be recognized not just as ‘temporary,’ but as a valuable and conscious career choice. Employers, supported by appropriate state initiatives, should recognize the potential of this sector and invest in conditions that will make seasonal work even more attractive and stable — thus drawing in a greater number of workers,” adds Samulska-Ugorska.
Sources: Central Statistical Office (GUS), internal analysis by Smart Solutions HR
