What are the working hours and labor laws in Poland?
Poland, as a member of the European Union, offers a structured and employee-friendly labor system. Whether you're a local resident or a foreigner considering a job opportunity in Poland, it’s essential to understand the country’s working hours, employment rights, and labor laws.
This guide covers the key aspects of working conditions in Poland, including standard working hours, overtime regulations, contracts, paid leave, and employee rights.
1. Standard Working Hours
Under Poland's Labour Code (Kodeks pracy), the standard full-time working week is:
- 8 hours per day
- 40 hours per week, over a standard 5-day workweek
Flexible Arrangements
Polish law allows for flexible working time systems, which may spread working hours differently across weeks as long as the average weekly working time does not exceed 40 hours in a settlement period (usually ranging from 1 to 12 months).
2. Overtime Rules
Overtime work is allowed but regulated. Employers must have a valid reason for requiring overtime, such as:
- Production demands
- Unexpected tasks
- Emergency situations
Limits:
- The maximum overtime is generally 150 hours per year per employee (can vary based on internal company rules or collective agreements).
- Including overtime, total working time must not exceed 48 hours per week, averaged over the reference period.
Compensation:
- Overtime must be compensated with:
- 125% of the normal pay for work beyond 8 hours on a regular day
- 150% for overtime during nights, Sundays, public holidays, or days off
Alternatively, employees may receive time off in lieu.
3. Types of Employment Contracts
There are several legally recognized contract types in Poland:
- Umowa o pracę (Contract of Employment): Most secure, with full benefits
- Umowa zlecenie (Contract of Mandate): More flexible, but with fewer rights
- Umowa o dzieło (Contract for a Specific Task): Common for freelancers, does not include social security
Only the contract of employment (umowa o pracę) guarantees full labor protections, including paid leave, health insurance, and pension contributions.
4. Paid Leave and Holidays
Annual Leave:
Employees working under a full employment contract are entitled to paid leave based on their work experience:
- 20 days per year for less than 10 years of total work experience
- 26 days per year for 10+ years of experience
Education also counts toward the total experience used to calculate leave entitlement.
Public Holidays:
Poland recognizes 13 national public holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Constitution Day (May 3)
- Independence Day (November 11)
- Christmas (December 25 and 26)
If a public holiday falls on a weekend (other than Sunday), employers must usually provide an alternative day off.
5. Sick Leave and Health Benefits
Employees are eligible for sick leave compensation:
- First 33 days (or 14 days if over age 50): paid by the employer (usually 80% of salary)
- From day 34 onwards: covered by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)
Medical certificates are mandatory to qualify for sick leave pay.
6. Maternity and Parental Leave
Poland provides strong family leave benefits:
- Maternity Leave: 20 weeks (100% paid)
- Parental Leave: Up to 41 additional weeks (can be shared between parents)
- Paternity Leave: 2 weeks (fully paid)
Employees on parental leave retain their right to return to the same or an equivalent position.
7. Termination and Notice Periods
Notice periods depend on the length of employment under a contract of employment:
- Less than 6 months: 2 weeks
- 6 months to 3 years: 1 month
- More than 3 years: 3 months
Employers must provide written notice and valid reasons for termination, especially in the case of indefinite contracts.
8. Employee Rights and Protections
Workers in Poland are protected by a wide range of labor rights, including:
- Freedom of association and union membership
- Protection against discrimination based on gender, nationality, religion, or age
- Health and safety regulations
- Minimum wage enforcement
As of 2025, the gross minimum wage in Poland is approximately PLN 4,242 per month (subject to annual adjustment).
Final Thoughts
Understanding the working hours and labor laws in Poland is essential for both employees and employers. With well-regulated hours, clear overtime rules, generous leave policies, and strong worker protections, Poland offers a balanced work environment aligned with European standards.
If you're planning to work in Poland or hire staff there, staying informed about legal obligations ensures compliance and promotes a fair, productive workplace.
