Non-compete and related clauses are also used in Poland, even if comparatively less than in other OECD countries. According to employers, between 11% and 15% of private-sector employees are currently bound by a non-compete clause compared to an average of 20% and 30% across the OECD countries covered by the survey. Results from the employee survey confirm a high prevalence: 9% of workers report being bound by a non-compete clause, with an additional 18% who believe they “probably” are, compared to an average of 15% and 21% across the OECD countries covered by the survey.
Poland Economic Snapshot
This snapshot offers an overview of Poland's economic trends and prospects, including GDP and inflation projections, growth prospects, and structural reform priorities, drawing from the OECD Economic Survey, Economic Outlook, and Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness reports.
Key links
Key findings on non-compete and related clauses for Poland, July 2026
Non-compete and related clauses are present in Poland and their use is rising
Economic Outlook: GDP and inflation projections, June 2026
Growth will moderate to 3% in 2026 and 2.6% in 2027, reflecting headwinds from the evolving conflict in the Middle East and a peak in EU-funded investments. Inflation has increased in the first half of this year, but this will be temporary with underlying price pressures easing again at the end of the year and inflation falling to 2.7% in 2027. The labour market will remain solid with low unemployment. The economy remains exposed to risks from further energy price shocks and global demand, as well as geopolitical risks in the region.
Given the uncertainty of the impact of higher energy prices, any further easing of monetary policy should be postponed this year. The budget deficit remains high, reflecting elevated defence and social spending. Consolidation planned for 2026 and the following two years should be implemented and complemented by a long-term plan for the public finances. Energy price supports should be better targeted and phased out as soon as conditions allow. Given population ageing and wage pressures, greater upskilling and increasing the statutory retirement age would help to retain more people in the labour market.
Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness, April 2026
Economic performance has continued to improve over recent decades and picked up again after the pandemic, with Polish GDP per capita now 30% below the average of upper half of OECD countries. Although productivity still lags OECD levels, the country has seen considerable investment and productivity convergence. Both employment and participation rates have increased in recent years, while the unemployment rate has fallen to record lows.
To sustain growth, Poland will need to counter the headwinds of population ageing, by improving health outcomes, enhancing the skills of the working-age population and increasing further female employment. Strengthening competition in services, management of state-owned enterprises and insolvency regime can add a boost to business growth.
Latest Economic Survey of Poland (February 2025)
Living standards in Poland have risen significantly in past two decades, with GDP per capita doubling since 2005. Following the inflationary shock in 2022‑23, the economy is expected to continue to recover this year and next. A sufficiently restrictive monetary policy is needed to bring inflation back to target. Following large increases in health, social and defence spending, Poland requires a sustained fiscal adjustment to bring down fiscal deficit.
Despite important improvements in health, life expectancy in Poland remains among the lowest in the OECD. While spending has increased in recent years, there are avenues for improving the efficiency of the healthcare system. It is important to continue with improving incentives in primary care, streamlining of the hospital network and training more medical staff. In view of the ageing population, a framework for expanding long‑term care is required.
To sustain productivity growth, competition should be strengthened and workers’ skills upgraded. Implementing a more ambitious energy and climate change strategy will be key to achieving the goal of net‑zero emissions. This requires a faster deployment of renewables and a phase‑out of coal.
Further reading
- Press release
- Poland: Towards a strong and healthy economy - Blog post in English
- Polska w drodze do silnej i zdrowej gospodarki - Blog post in Polish
Housing Reforms in Czechia and Poland
Czechia and Poland have experienced strong economic growth and significant improvements in living standards. Higher incomes and lower unemployment have put upward pressure on the demand for housing, while the supply has struggled to keep pace in many areas. The report analyses housing market trends in both countries and provides country-tailored recommendations to boost the supply of affordable housing and address the housing needs of vulnerable groups. The report presents strategies to unlock affordable housing development, including by facilitating the emergence of affordable housing providers, making more efficient use of spatial planning and land-based finance tools, and reforming property taxes. It also explores ways to adapt housing to meet the needs of an ageing population, mobilise existing buildings for affordable housing, and strengthen tailored housing solutions with integrated health and social services for people with higher support needs.
