A major reform of the Polish Post Office is underway. The Management Board has announced a Transformation Plan.
The Management Board of Poczta Polska (Polish Post) has announced a Transformation Plan, under which the company will gradually transform into a modern courier, retail, financial, and digital company. The changes launched today will encompass key areas of the company's operations, such as courier and financial services. The new plan also includes modernization of IT systems, logistics processes, and the sales network. The reason for the changes in business profile is the continuing deterioration of its financial situation.
The Transformation Plan adopted by the Management Board is necessary to rebuild the market position of one of Poland's oldest companies, fulfilling the role and mission of the designated universal service operator. Poczta Polska's obligation is to ensure access to postal services for citizens throughout the country, regardless of their place of residence.
"The digital revolution and the resulting changes in customer needs have pushed the company to the brink. Today, we have begun a process of change that will transform Poczta Polska into a modern and profitable company," said Sebastian Mikosz, CEO of Poczta Polska.
The transformation of Poczta Polska will be carried out in several stages. The first, called Poczta 1.0, involves the implementation of the most urgent changes. These will be implemented later this year and will include IT, improving the quality of postal services, and optimizing employment.
"Poczta Polska needs to be debureaucratized. The Voluntary Redundancy Plan announced today, addressed to administrative employees, is extremely generous and aims to provide adequate financial security for those leaving. Employees who choose to take advantage of it will receive the equivalent of 12 months' salary and will be able to start a new job the next day," added Sebastian Mikosz. These changes are necessary because currently, nearly 65% of Poczta Polska's costs are salaries. The goal of these changes is to make Poczta Polska an attractive employer.
To meet customer needs, IT changes are necessary. "Comprehensive digitalization is essential for the transformation of Poczta Polska. Its goal is to eliminate years of technological debt, related to both hardware and outdated digital systems, some of which are over 20 years old. The Transformation Plan includes, among other things, the creation of an IT Shared Services Center and the introduction of modern solutions enabling process optimization and automation, as well as efficient and effective organizational management," said Dariusz Śpiewak, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
According to the Transformation Plan, Poczta Polska (Polish Post) branches will be adapted to customer needs depending on their location. A post office in a small municipality will serve a different role than a post office in a large city. In locations further afield, the post office will become a Citizen Service Center. Post offices will be able to collect traditional mail (paper or email), receive pensions, passports, and other documents, and purchase books and notebooks for school. The largest branches in cities will, in addition to serving as post offices, serve as social and cultural centers, as well as commercial galleries. Work is also underway on a new post office model adapted to contemporary realities, both in terms of layout, equipment, and product range.
"As we embark on transformation, we must be aware not only of our weaknesses and debts, but also of our strengths, of which the Polish Post has no shortage. Therefore, at the beginning of next year, we will implement a transformation plan to change the areas of KEP and financial services," said Sebastian Mikosz.
Poczta Polska (Polish Post) has over 7,600 branches located throughout Poland, providing it with a unique ability to distribute products. The brand is recognizable, and its employees—including postmen—enjoy public trust. The company possesses the know-how and logistical capabilities to become a major player in the postal services market. The company also owns a network of well-located properties in the centers of Poland's most important cities.