At a recent business conference, the keynote speaker stated, “The biggest problem in business is people.” And he primarily meant employees. Indeed, employees can become a major headache — during the hiring process, while working, and even at the moment of leaving the company. In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of employee fraud, the absurdities of Polish labor law, and share three essential tips that can help you avoid 90% of mistakes and scams from your staff.
Abuse During the Hiring Process
One of the most frequent scams involves job invitations. Many candidates ask employers in Poland to issue a job invitation so they can apply for a visa. Once they receive the document, they disappear. In some cases, only two out of ten invited candidates actually arrive to work. The others simply use the invitation to enter Poland for other purposes.
For business owners, this means wasted time, money, and energy.
Fake Experience and Skills
Another widespread issue occurs when applicants exaggerate or completely falsify their qualifications. The employer trusts them, pays for their relocation and legalization process, only to find out the employee lacks the necessary skills. This can be a major blow to business operations in Poland, especially when it disrupts workflow or damages client relationships.
Tax Tricks and Fake Sick Leave
Some employees attempt to reduce their tax burden by falsely claiming student status, which allows for lower tax rates. Employers must be vigilant and always request official documentation from educational institutions to avoid penalties from Polish tax authorities.
Calling in sick without providing valid medical proof is another common tactic. And even with a doctor’s note, verifying the legitimacy of the illness can be difficult. Unfortunately, employers are still required to pay for sick leave, regardless of doubts about its authenticity.
Under-the-Table Payments and Misleading Contracts
Some workers insist on receiving part of their salary in cash to avoid taxes. Employers who agree to such arrangements put themselves at serious risk — from fines to a possible business ban.
Another trick involves signing temporary or freelance contracts for work that is clearly full-time and ongoing. If audited, tax authorities may classify this as tax evasion and impose serious penalties.
How to Minimize Risk: Three Key Tips
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Get everything in writing. Never hand over money, equipment, or make commitments without signed documentation.
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Avoid standard contracts. Work with a lawyer to create personalized agreements that reflect your specific business needs and protect you from legal pitfalls.
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Use the B2B model when possible. Hiring freelancers or contractors under a business-to-business arrangement reduces your legal and financial vulnerability and encourages more accountability.
Conclusion
Doing business in Poland comes with its own set of challenges — especially when it comes to managing people. To protect your business, implement structured systems for hiring, monitoring, and verifying your employees.
Check all documents, document all agreements, and don’t let personal trust replace due diligence. With the right approach, even the trickiest situations won’t threaten your company’s stability.
