Polish Post, always close to people – for 466 years
October 18th is Polish Post Day. It is one of the oldest companies not only in Poland but also in all of Europe. From its inception, the institution has been inextricably linked to Poland and has always played an important state-building role. Poczta Polska, currently undergoing a transformation process, has been providing uninterrupted services for 466 years. Its network of branches, tradition, and public trust in postal workers are a tremendous asset on which to build the future. However, this will not be possible without improved work organization and investment in technology.
The Polish Post Office was established on October 18, 1558, during the reign of King Sigismund II Augustus. From its inception, it was more than just a letter-delivering company. Always close to the people, regardless of circumstances, the Post Office's contribution to Poland's social and economic life was irreplaceable. The Post Office played a crucial role during the partition period, when it often served as the only secure channel of communication between citizens scattered across various countries and independence activists.
Poczta Polska is the national postal operator and one of Poland's leaders in communication, parcel, courier, and logistics services. Over 90% of Poles use its services. In line with the implemented Transformation Plan, projects are consistently implemented to ensure the highest possible quality of service and gradually eliminate technological debt by increasing investment in IT and logistics.
Research shows that, despite its difficult situation, the Post Office enjoys nearly the highest level of trust among institutions in Poland, and its employees – especially postmen – play an important role in local communities. They carry out their duties with true mission and commitment. Often – in both small and large towns – they are also among the few people who regularly visit lonely, elderly people and take an interest in their well-being. They treat their work as a special experience and feel that it involves more than just carrying out everyday tasks.
The history of the Polish Post Office is an example of technological evolution and adaptation to a changing world. From horse-drawn messengers, through the first postal carriages, to trains and airplanes – each era has contributed to the delivery of parcels. Today, in an era of widespread digitalization, there is a need to redefine the role of the Post Office, its tasks, and the functions it can perform for society. It is worth drawing inspiration from solutions operating in other countries whose post offices have already undergone transformation.
As we celebrate the 466th anniversary of Poczta Polska, we celebrate not only its past, tradition, and the role it has played over the centuries, but also consider the future and the company's development in service to a modern digital society. Our goal is to create a company that combines traditional postal services, such as letter and parcel delivery and courier services, while also implementing innovative solutions, such as e-polecony and crypto-stamps. By combining tradition with modernity, Poczta Polska can not only maintain its historic role in communications and logistics but also build its position as a modern and sustainable institution, ready to meet the realities of a changing world.