Poland's Employee Engagement Crisis Costs Billions

Employee engagement in Poland is among the lowest globally, despite reported job satisfaction levels. A recent Gallup report estimates that global employee disengagement costs the world economy approximately 9% of GDP, or $10 trillion annually. For Poland, this translates to a potential loss of at least 370 billion zloty, a figure that dwarfs the national budget deficit and defense expenditures.

Piotr Soroczyński, chief economist at the National Chamber of Commerce, notes that while improving productivity through better management is a long-term goal, addressing deficits like poor communication between managers and employees can prevent costly errors and improve workplace atmosphere. Gallup measures engagement through 12 questions covering expectations, resources, recognition, and development opportunities, with employees rating each on a scale of 1 to 5.

While a Randstad "Labor Market Monitor" found 69% of Polish employees are satisfied with their jobs, over a fifth reported indifference. The study also indicated reduced employee turnover and longer job search times in the first half of the year. However, this doesn't necessarily equate to engagement. One in 11 respondents admitted dissatisfaction, with four out of ten in this group stating they only perform essential tasks, compared to one in ten among satisfied employees.

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Such an estimate is a significant simplification. Improving productivity resulting from management certainly does not mean obtaining additional money within a year or two, it is likely possible within a decade or more. It is worth thinking about what deficits we have and what progress we could achieve if we limited them.