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Should I Stay or Should I Go? Transitions to Inactivity in Poland

Author

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  • Olga Zajkowska
  • Paulina Broniatowska

Abstract

Given Poland’s aging population, maintaining the labor supply is a major long-term policy challenge. This study investigates the determinants of individual decisions to leave the labor force. The flow probabilities were estimated using the rotating panel data from the 2010–2019 Polish Labor Force Survey (PLFS). We find that these decisions depend not only on life-cycle moment, educational level, and work experience, but also on family arrangements and work-life preferences. We also discuss that agricultural employment can be considered a labor force buffer in rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Zajkowska & Paulina Broniatowska, 2025. "Should I Stay or Should I Go? Transitions to Inactivity in Poland," Ekonomista, Polskie Towarzystwo Ekonomiczne, issue 3, pages 352-378.
  • Handle: RePEc:aoq:ekonom:y:2025:i:3:p:352-378
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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