Empowering African student workers in Poland’s fast-food industry: pathways to fair and supportive work

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore how African student workers in Poland’s fast-food sector navigate workplace challenges and how organisational practices shape their vulnerability and resilience. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was used, using in-depth interviews with 15 African student workers to capture rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns of structural vulnerability, adaptive agency, managerial control and supportive structures. Findings The study reveals that structural vulnerabilities and managerial exclusion worsen the psychological safety of the African immigrants, while adaptive agency and supportive mechanisms help workers navigate these challenges. An integrative structural–relational empowerment framework is proposed, linking structural, relational, organisational and individual factors to promote employee well-being and empowerment. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for inclusive managerial practices, culturally aware supervision and institutional support to mitigate systemic disadvantages and enhance resilience among migrant workers. Policymakers are encouraged to strengthen labour protections and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Originality/value The study extends transformative service research to temporary and racially marginalised workers and expands social exchange theory to include informal, peer-based and aspirational social exchanges. The proposed framework offers a novel lens for understanding empowerment in migrant-intensive service sectors and provides global actionable insights for organisations and policymakers.