Starting work in a new country means not only learning new responsibilities, but also encountering a new language, new customs, and new ways of communicating. Language and cultural barriers can cause misunderstandings, make it harder to build relationships, and affect professional development. But most of these difficulties can gradually be overcome through openness, communication, and experience.

How language affects work and earnings

It is possible to work in Poland without knowing Polish, but such jobs are usually limited to specific sectors. Foreigners most often find employment in logistics, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, or international companies where English is the working language. But over the past year, we have seen that job advertisements increasingly require Polish at the B1 level, even for positions involving only manual work. In practice, this means that not knowing Polish may limit your ability to support yourself and your opportunities for professional growth. This is especially visible in managerial positions, which often require contact with Polish-speaking employees, clients, public offices or administrative departments. The same applies to jobs involving direct customer service.

A good command of Polish increases your chances of getting promoted, changing jobs, and earning a higher salary. At the same time, remember that other foreign languages can also be an advantage. Poland is becoming an increasingly diverse country, and employers are increasingly looking for people who can communicate in languages other than Polish and English. Knowing additional languages can help you stand out in the labor market and give you access to more specialized or niche positions.

Many migrants work below their qualifications. This is also shown in our report published in 2025 “Untapped Potential: Working Below One’s Competencies Among Non-EU Foreign Nationals in Poland.” Language barriers are one of the reasons. If you have the relevant education and experience but are concerned about your level of Polish, it is worth emphasizing your willingness to learn during the job interview. Many employers support the development of their employees’ language skills, and daily contact with the language in the workplace helps people learn it faster.

Cultural differences and common misunderstandings at work

Misunderstandings in the workplace often arise not from bad intentions, but from language and cultural differences. What is considered polite and natural in one country may be interpreted very differently in another.

If you do not understand instructions, tasks, or information shared during a meeting, do not be afraid to ask someone to repeat it, explain it, or say it in a different way. It can also be helpful to ask for email confirmation of the most important arrangements. A written summary helps avoid mistakes and allows you to refer to what was agreed if you have doubts.

You also need to pay attention to non-verbal communication. In Poland, eye contact, nodding and handshakes when greeting someone or saying goodbye are common. In some cultures, these behaviors may have a different meaning or may even be seen as a breach of business etiquette. If certain customs are difficult for you, or are not in line with the norms of your culture or religion, say so openly. A short explanation often helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, as well as situations where you may be mistakenly perceived as rude or impolite.

In the Polish workplace, eye contact is often seen as a sign of engagement and attentive listening. A lack of eye contact may be misinterpreted as a lack of interest in the conversation. If making eye contact is uncomfortable for you for cultural reasons, it is worth explaining this to your colleagues or supervisors.

Misunderstandings can also arise around the way people express their opinions. In many Polish organizations, asking questions, sharing ideas and asking for additional explanations are valued. This is not seen as a lack of competence, but as a sign of engagement and responsibility.

Remember your boundaries, too. No one should take photos of you without your consent, or touch your hair, clothes or cultural or religious items of clothing. Other people’s curiosity does not give them the right to violate your privacy.

If you experience discrimination, offensive comments, threats or other behavior motivated by prejudice, do not leave it unaddressed. Such actions may violate Polish law. Many NGOs, including the Ocalenie Foundation, offer free support to people who have experienced discrimination or bias-motivated crimes.

How can you navigate Polish communication and build relationships at work?

Remember that learning about communication norms in Poland does not mean giving up your own culture or identity. It is not about changing who you are. It is about being better prepared to deal with different, sometimes unexpected, situations.

Cultural differences are one of the most common causes of misunderstandings between people. Every society has its own norms around communication, cooperation and professional relationships. Learning about them can help you feel more confident in a new work environment.

A helpful tool is the model developed by intercultural psychologist Geert Hofstede. It describes six dimensions of culture that influence how people communicate, make decisions, and build relationships in the workplace:

• Power distance,
• Individualism vs collectivism,
• Motivation to achieve and succeed,
• Uncertainty avoidance,
• Long-term vs short-term orientation,
• Indulgence vs restraint.

This theory can help you better understand differences between countries and compare workplace culture in Poland with the culture of your country of origin, or even with the cultures of the countries your colleagues come from. You can find a tool for comparing the cultures of different countries on the The Culture Factor website.

Relationships with other employees are a vital aspect of working life. For many migrants, the workplace becomes the first space where they can get to know people from Poland and build new contacts.

Of course, the most important thing is to carry out your work duties reliably. But in most workplaces, the ability to work well with a team also matters. Good relationships affect not only career development, but also wellbeing and a sense of safety in the workplace.

Building relationships at work—practical tips

At first, you may feel isolated or lonely. This is a natural experience for many people who are starting life and work in a new country. Give yourself time to adapt. Observe how your colleagues communicate, what topics they discuss in informal conversations during breaks, and what behaviors are generally accepted in the team.

But this does not mean that you have to give up your own culture, traditions or beliefs. On the contrary, your experience can become an opportunity to build relationships. Talking about food, holidays or customs from your country of origin often helps break down barriers and spark mutual interest. At the same time, remember that you do not have to take on the role of an expert on your country or cultural background. If answering questions about culture, religion, or the political situation becomes tiring for you, you have the right to set boundaries and refuse to discuss a particular topic.

Small gestures can often help build relationships. You can invite colleagues for coffee or lunch, join a team-building event organized by the company, or suggest doing something together after work. If you would like to, you can also share elements of your culture, for example by preparing a traditional dish and sharing it with your colleagues.

Do not be afraid to admit that you are still learning. Asking questions, seeking explanations and requesting feedback are all natural parts of the adaptation process, especially if the main language of communication at work is not your native language. Most people will appreciate your willingness to learn.

Remember that settling into a new professional environment takes time. Every conversation, every new word and every new relationship helps build confidence and a sense of belonging in the Polish workplace.

Sources:

• Mateusz Jeżewski, Julia Şimşek, Kristina Stankiewicz, “Untapped Potential. Working Below One’s Competencies Among Non-EU Foreign Nationals in Poland” Research Report, Warsaw 2025, link, accessed July 12, 2026.

Maja Bednarowicz—a lawyer with the Ocalenie Foundation. She holds degrees in law and psychology, as well as a postgraduate degree in public international law and human rights. She has been associated with the Ocalenie Foundation since 2024, both as a staff member and a volunteer.

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