How is the remote work trend evolving in Poland?
In recent years, remote work has transformed from a niche employment model into a mainstream trend across the globe — and Poland is no exception. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially triggered the rapid adoption of remote work, the trend has continued to evolve beyond the crisis, shaping how companies and professionals operate in Poland today.
This blog post explores how remote work is evolving in Poland, examining the key drivers, challenges, regulations, and future outlook.
The Remote Work Boom: From Temporary to Permanent
Before the pandemic, remote work in Poland was relatively uncommon, with only a small portion of employers offering flexible arrangements. According to data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS), fewer than 10 percent of employees worked remotely in 2019. However, by mid-2020, that number had surged to over 30 percent.
What began as a temporary health and safety measure is now becoming a permanent feature of the Polish labor market. Many companies in sectors like IT, finance, customer service, and digital marketing have adopted hybrid or fully remote models.
Legal Framework: New Provisions for Remote Work
The Polish government officially introduced legal reforms to better regulate remote work. In April 2023, a major amendment to the Labor Code came into force, replacing the earlier "teleworking" provisions with clearer definitions and regulations for remote work.
Key legal highlights include:
- Remote work must be agreed upon in the employment contract or via a separate agreement between employer and employee.
- Occasional remote work (up to 24 days per year) can be requested by the employee and does not require extensive justification.
- Employers must cover certain costs, such as internet or electricity, for employees working remotely.
- Health and safety obligations still apply, and the employer must ensure that remote conditions meet minimum standards.
These changes have helped formalize remote work, making it easier and safer for both employees and employers to navigate.
Who is Working Remotely in Poland?
Remote work is more common in certain sectors and job functions:
- IT and software development: Most companies offer remote or hybrid models by default.
- Shared services centers (SSCs) and business process outsourcing (BPO): Poland is a major European hub for SSCs, many of which now operate partially remotely.
- Finance and accounting: These functions increasingly rely on digital tools and remote platforms.
- Customer service and tech support: Many roles now allow for remote or flexible work.
- Marketing and content creation: Digital roles like SEO, content writing, and social media management are frequently remote-friendly.
Remote work is most prevalent in urban areas such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, where tech companies and international firms are concentrated.
Benefits of Remote Work in Poland
- Access to talent: Companies can recruit from across Poland or even outside the country.
- Employee satisfaction: Workers often report improved work-life balance and productivity.
- Cost savings: Both employers and employees reduce commuting, office rental, and overhead costs.
- Regional development: Skilled workers can live in smaller cities or rural areas without needing to relocate.
Challenges of Remote Work in Poland
Despite its benefits, remote work also presents several challenges:
- Digital infrastructure: While internet access is good in cities, rural areas may have weaker connectivity.
- Team cohesion: Many employers are still experimenting with ways to build culture and collaboration in remote settings.
- Mental health: Isolation and burnout are concerns, especially for fully remote employees.
- Bureaucracy: Not all employers are well-versed in the new legal requirements for remote work, leading to compliance issues.
Remote Work for Foreigners in Poland
Poland is becoming increasingly attractive for digital nomads and remote professionals. While there is currently no official "digital nomad visa," non-EU citizens can work remotely from Poland under certain visa types, provided they comply with immigration and tax regulations.
There is also a growing number of coworking spaces, remote work retreats, and online communities supporting remote professionals in Poland.
The Future Outlook
The future of remote work in Poland appears stable and growing. A hybrid model — where employees split time between home and office — is emerging as the preferred structure for many employers. At the same time, fully remote roles continue to be in demand, particularly in tech and digital sectors.
We can expect further innovation in workspaces, HR practices, and digital tools as Polish companies continue adapting to flexible work environments. Government policy may also evolve to support remote workers, both domestic and international.
Conclusion
Remote work in Poland has moved from being an emergency response to a permanent and strategic employment model. With legal backing, technological infrastructure, and cultural acceptance growing steadily, Poland is positioning itself as a remote work-friendly country — both for local talent and for international professionals.
Whether you're a job seeker, an employer, or a remote worker looking for your next destination, Poland offers a dynamic and evolving remote work landscape worth exploring.
