1. What is the employer's responsibility regarding the determination of working time in Poland?
The employer in Poland is responsible for determining and accounting for employees' working time according to the protective provisions in Section Six of the Labour Code, ‘Working Time.’ This includes ensuring proper working time systems, daily and weekly rest periods, and compliance with legal restrictions.
2. How should the working time be determined by the employer in Poland?
In Poland, working time should be determined within the framework of the adopted working time system, based on Labour Code provisions. It must ensure at least 11 hours of uninterrupted daily rest and 35 hours of weekly rest. Employers must also account for public holidays, which reduce the working time.
Suggested: How to Hire Tech Talent in Poland
3. What is the standard working time in Poland according to the Labour Code?
In Poland, the standard working time is 8 hours per day and an average of 40 hours per week, assuming a 5-day working week. This is calculated over a reference period that can vary depending on the working time system applied by the employer.
4. What are the holidays that reduce the working time during the reference period in Poland?
In Poland, public holidays that reduce the working time by 8 hours are:
- 1 January – New Year's Day
- 6 January – Epiphany
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
- 1 May – May Day
- 3 May – Constitution Day
- Pentecost Sunday
- Corpus Christi
- 15 August – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 11 November – Independence Day
- 25 and 26 December – Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Suggested: Time Management Techniques for Recruiters
5. What are the working time systems that can be applied in Poland?
The Labour Code in Poland allows several working time systems, including:
- Basic working time system (8 hours/day)
- Equivalent working hours system (extended daily hours, up to 16 or 24 hours)
- Continuous operation system (for roles that cannot be interrupted)
- Intermittent working time system (breaks of no more than 5 hours)
- Task-based working time system (flexible schedules)
- Short working week system (less than 5 days/week)
- Weekend working time system (work on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
6. Can shift work be applied under Poland's labor laws?
Yes, shift work is allowed under Poland's labor laws, but not every employee can be assigned to night shifts. Pregnant employees and minors are prohibited from night work, and employees with children under 8 years old cannot be assigned to night shifts without their consent.
7. What is flexible working time and how can it be implemented in Poland?
Flexible working time in Poland allows employees to choose their starting time within a designated interval. This schedule must still ensure 11 hours of uninterrupted daily rest. Employers may introduce flexible working hours via collective agreements or upon an employee's written request.
Suggested: Top Job Posting Platforms for Recruiters in Poland
8. What is the maximum reference period for determining working time in Poland?
The maximum reference periods for working time in Poland are:
- Up to 4 weeks for continuous work
- Up to 12 months in certain systems (justified by technical reasons or work organization)
- Specific reference periods apply for different working time systems (e.g., intermittent, equivalent, etc.)
9. How should days off be determined under the Polish working time system?
In Poland, days off are primarily Sundays and public holidays. If employees work on these days, they are entitled to compensatory time off. Additionally, days off may be granted based on the working time schedule or extended daily working time, particularly in equivalent working time systems.
10. Under what circumstances is work on Sundays or public holidays allowed in Poland?
Work on Sundays and public holidays in Poland is permitted in the following cases:
- Emergency situations (e.g., rescue campaigns)
- Continuous operation
- Shift work
- Necessary renovations or in specific industries like healthcare, catering, and public services
Suggested: An Overview of Hiring Trends in Poland
11. What are the daily and weekly rest entitlements for employees in Poland?
Employees in Poland are entitled to at least 11 hours of continuous daily rest and 35 hours of weekly rest, which should ideally fall on Sundays. In specific cases, the weekly rest can be reduced to 24 hours.
12. What is considered night work, and who can be employed for it in Poland?
Night work in Poland is defined as work performed between 21:00 and 07:00. Pregnant employees and minors cannot be assigned to night work, and employees with children under 8 may only work at night with their consent. Night workers may not exceed 8 hours a day if their work is particularly hazardous or strenuous.
Suggested: How to Hire Logistics Professionals in Poland
13. What is the night work allowance for employees in Poland?
Employees working at night in Poland are entitled to a night work allowance of 20% of their hourly rate based on the minimum remuneration. This allowance is separate from overtime pay.
14. What is on-call duty, and how is it regulated in Poland?
On-call duty in Poland refers to an employee being available to work outside normal hours. It is counted as working time only if the employee actually works. The total on-call time and working hours cannot exceed 13 hours per day, and the employee must receive at least 35 hours of continuous weekly rest.
15. What breaks are employees entitled to during the workday in Poland?
Employees in Poland are entitled to rest breaks depending on the length of their workday:
- 15 minutes if working at least 6 hours
- An additional 15 minutes if working more than 9 hours
- A further 15 minutes if working more than 16 hours
These breaks are considered part of working time.
Suggested: Download Job Description Templates for FREE
