What is really happening to Ukrainian human capital in Poland? A review of the Link4Skills workshop

Our Polish office joined an important expert discussion within the European project Link4Skills (Horizon Europe programme). Together with representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, researchers from UCU, and Kozminski University, we analyzed the state of the Ukrainian–Polish migration corridor.

Why is this important for the Ukrainian HR community? Our representative in Poland shared insights that directly impact the future of our labor market:

• Employment paradox: despite a record 78% employment rate among Ukrainians in Poland, only 14% work in roles that match their qualifications.

• The risk of “deskilling”: during the workshop, we raised the issue of the “low-skill trap,” where experienced professionals lose advanced skills due to barriers in diploma recognition and end up working in lower-level positions.

• From emigration to circulation: our office in Poland supports the “dual intent” model. This approach means that integration abroad does not imply cutting ties; on the contrary, it allows Ukrainians to develop in the EU while remaining part of Ukraine’s recovery ecosystem through remote work or knowledge exchange.

Key takeaways for HRDs:

1. Remote engagement: hire your professionals abroad for projects that match their actual qualifications.
2. Reintegration: prepare “reverse onboarding” programs for the 1.5 million people who are already returning.
3. Knowledge exchange: turn migrants’ European experience into a resource for modernizing your business.

We continue to stay on top of global changes to provide Ukrainian HR leaders with the most relevant expertise in preserving and developing human capital.