Diversity and Inclusion in Poland

Poland’s approach to diversity and inclusion continues to develop as more expats settle in the country. According to the 2021 census, non-Polish nationals make up just 1.2 percent of the population, with Ukrainians forming the largest group.

Despite these modest numbers, when you move to cities like Warsaw or Krakow, you’ll find yourself part of a growing international community that adds a distinctive character to business and social life throughout the country.

Accessibility in Poland

Getting around Poland as someone with mobility challenges is easier than ever. The government has funded ramps, lifts, and accessible transport options – with the most visible changes in big cities like Krakow and Warsaw. Don’t expect perfect access everywhere, but the improvements even since the 2020 EU Access City Award went to Warsaw are definitely noticeable.

In larger cities, getting around is fairly straightforward, as buses and the Warsaw Metro are largely wheelchair-friendly. Buses and the Warsaw Metro work pretty well for people using wheelchairs. Most stations have ramps, and staff can help if needed. The train system isn’t quite as good yet – you’ll still need to book assistance about 48 hours ahead of your journey, and sometimes ramps might not be ready when you arrive at a station.

In 2024, Poland’s parliament passed their version of the Accessibility Act, which brings Polish standards in line with EU requirements. The new law doesn’t kick in until June 2025, so don’t expect immediate changes. When it does, businesses across Poland will need to adapt, making shop entrances more wheelchair-friendly and adding accessibility settings to websites.

Useful resources

• www.accessibletour.pl
• www.gov.pl

LGBTQ+ in Poland

Polish society is traditionally conservative when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are gradually shifting and becoming more accepting, although Poland still ranks poorly in European LGBTQ+ rights indices. On a legislative level, Poland made homosexuality legal back in 1932 – much earlier than many people realise. They also banned workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ folks in 2003, although that hasn’t solved everything.

Same-sex couples are not yet permitted to adopt children, but Poland moved closer to legalising civil partnerships in 2024 with the publication of a draft law. Recent polls show growing public support, with about 66 percent of Poles favouring the introduction of civil partnerships. Transgender individuals still face challenges in changing their legal gender, although a landmark Supreme Court ruling has eliminated the requirement for transgender people to involve their parents in gender recognition proceedings.

There’s also other good news – in 2024, a Warsaw court finally struck down the last of the ‘LGBT-free zones’ that had popped up across the country since 2019, a shift away from the anti-gay policies of recent years.

Poland's larger cities often have lively LGBTQ+ communities. Warsaw remains the home of the Equality Parade, the largest annual pride event in Eastern and Central Europe. The city is now home to the QueerMuzeum – Poland’s first LGBTQ+ museum – which opened in late 2024. 

Useful resources

• www.rainbow-europe.org
• lambda.org.pl

Gender equality in Poland

Gender equality in Poland is enshrined in the Polish constitution, but the reality is more complicated. There has been progress, but all kinds of challenges persist across different areas of life. Polish women working full-time earned 7.8 percent less than men in 2022, according to recent data. That’s actually not terrible when you look at other countries – the average gap across OECD nations is around 11.6 percent.

Poland’s overall gender equality rankings still lag behind EU averages, but the numbers have been improving steadily since 2005.

Useful resources

• www.karat.org
• aktywnekobiety.org.pl
• neww.org.pl

Women in leadership in Poland

Poland has seen a significant shift when it comes to women in leadership. About 48 percent of management roles are now held by women, putting Poland right up there with Latvia and Bulgaria as one of Europe’s leaders. That’s well beyond the global benchmark of 30 percent.

The 30% Club in Poland has set ambitious targets: no all-male boards by 2025 and at least 20 percent female representation on the biggest company boards by the same year, aiming for 30 percent by 2030.

Women’s presence in parliament is growing. In the 2023 elections, women secured about 30 percent of the seats in the Sejm, Poland’s lower house.

Useful resources

www.30percentclub.org

Mental health awareness in Poland

Poland has made some real strides in mental health awareness. In 2023, the country took a significant step by adopting the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme, which aims to expand mental health services.

Navigating mental health can be particularly challenging for expats moving to a new home. A study revealed that 50 percent of US expats were susceptible to anxiety and depression – two and a half times the rate of their domestic peers.

More and more companies are becoming aware of the impact of mental health issues and adjusting their policies to better support those who experience difficulties. Depression, in particular, has received much-needed attention and is now more broadly discussed, although stigma remains a challenge.

There are many excellent private counsellors, and in practice, you can access the services of a private psychiatrist or psychologist when living in Poland. If you’re moving to Poland, double-check your international health insurance to ensure they cover mental health. Accessing mental health support is always a bit tricky, but you’ll find decent therapy options in bigger cities like Warsaw or Krakow.

Useful resources

• www.psychiatrists.pl
• www.findahelpline.com
• www.mhe-sme.org

Unconscious bias training in Poland

Unconscious bias is an implicit set of often stereotyped ideas that people carry about groups different to themselves. Everyone holds some unconscious bias – not due to a purposeful decision but rather an unnoticed development over time. We are more likely to hold unconscious biases about groups we rarely or never come into contact with, and this is no different in Poland.

Unchecked bias can undermine a company’s interests, negatively affecting recruitment, employee retention, and performance. This has caused many companies to institute unconscious bias training. Many global corporations are implementing standardised training across their Polish branches as part of worldwide diversity initiatives.

Useful resources

• www.nonprofitready.org/unconscious-bias-training

Diversification in the workplace in Poland

Workplace diversification in Poland has expanded significantly in recent years. Poland’s job market has been changing fast since they joined the EU. More international companies are setting up shop, and you’ll hear more languages in Polish workplaces these days. In 2024, around 1.1 million international workers were registered – about 7 out of every 100 workers.

Poland’s economic success and continuing internationalisation are contributing to a better working environment for all. Progressive firms, particularly the global players, are working to ensure that there is no discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, religious beliefs or physical ability.

Useful resources

• cms.law/.../cms-expert-guide-on-discrimination-in-the-workplace/poland

Safety in Poland

Safety in Poland is a big draw for expats, and the country has a reputation as one of the safest in Europe. Poland is, by and large, a safe country with low rates of violent and non-violent crime compared to other European capitals.

Still, every big city has its risks, and Poland is no exception. Just use the same street smarts you would in any major European city. A little awareness goes a long way – keep your wallet secure, don’t flash expensive gadgets, and stay alert in crowded spaces.

Useful resources

• www.travelsafe-abroad.com/poland
• www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland/safety-and-security

Calendar initiatives in Poland

4 February – World Cancer Day
8 March – International Women’s Day
7 April – World Health Day
19 May – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day
8 October – World Mental Health Day
14 November – World Diabetes Day
18 November – End Child Sex Abuse Day
25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
1 December – World AIDS Day