Introduction
Why Poland Is Moving to a Four-Day Week
The concept of a four-day workweek in Poland is gaining serious momentum, influenced by successful trials across Europe and a government ready to legislate. Poland's Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has announced plans targeting full implementation by 2027.
Currently, the average workweek stands at 40 hours — and Poland ranks among the most overworked nations in Europe, logging approximately 1,848 hours annually, far above Germany (1,574 hrs), France (1,610 hrs), and Denmark (1,635 hrs).
The government is weighing two options: a four-day workweek, or shortening daily hours to seven. The Central Institute for Labour Protection is evaluating which model best suits Poland's socio-economic conditions before a parliamentary vote.
Source: EuroStat 2023 data
Key Drivers
Four Factors Pushing Poland Toward Change
Poland's productivity rate sits 17.3% below the EU average — a gap that is motivating policymakers to explore innovative work structures as a lever for improving national economic output.
−17.3% vs EU AveragePolish workers clock one of the highest annual hour counts in the EU at 1,848 hrs/year. The resulting burnout and poor personal-time balance has made reform politically urgent.
1,848 hours worked annuallyMinister Agnieszka Dziemanowicz-Bąk has publicly acknowledged that technological advances have already reduced the need for extended working hours — making shorter weeks more feasible than ever.
Ministerial endorsementHigh inflation and rising living costs have pushed the government to consider quality-of-life improvements. Reducing work hours is framed as a tool to alleviate financial stress and enhance social wellbeing.
Inflation & living cost responseOfficial Trial
The 2026 Government Pilot Programme
Poland's landmark pilot programme — funded with PLN 50 million from the Labour Fund — tests 4-day weeks, shorter working days, and extended leave arrangements while maintaining full pay for participating employees. Results are due by May 2027 and will directly inform potential Labour Code amendments.
Work Culture
Polish Labour Law at a Glance
Vacation Entitlement
Polish employees are entitled to a statutory minimum of paid annual leave, rising with seniority.
- Under 10 years' service 20 days
- 10+ years' service 26 days
- Paid sick leave (employer) 33 days
- Sick leave (ZUS fund) Up to 182 days
Overtime Rules
Working time is capped at 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 150 hours annually (unless adjusted by collective agreement, not to exceed 48 hrs/week average).
- Night shifts, Sundays & holidays +100%
- Regular weekday overtime +50%
- Annual overtime cap 150 hrs
- Weekly cap (EU compliant) 48 hrs avg
Part-Time Work
Part-time and full-time arrangements are equally valid under Polish law. Key differences apply to leave calculation (proportional, rounded up) and overtime thresholds.
- Leave calculation Proportional
- Overtime threshold 8 hr daily limit
- Part-time employment (Q1 2024) 956.6K workers
- Trend vs Q4 2023 ↓ from 972.7K
Flexible Work
Remote Work in Poland
Remote Work Legislation
Polish law formally recognises three categories of remote work arrangements, providing a clear legal framework for both employers and employees.
Regular Remote Work — agreed at hire or during employment; can be full-time or hybrid.
H&S Emergency Remote — employers can mandate remote work for up to three months during emergencies.
Ad-Hoc Remote — employees may request up to 24 days per year, submitted in writing or electronically.
Remote Work Adoption Trend
Remote work surged during COVID-19 in 2020 before declining as in-person work resumed. Poland's current 14% flexible/remote rate reflects hybrid adoption rather than full-remote.
Early Adopters
Polish Companies Already Running 4-Day Weeks
Herbapol Poznań
One of Poland's oldest herbal remedies companies, Herbapol Poznań began its 4-day week transition in January 2024 — one Friday off per month, scaling to all Fridays by end of year. In 2025 the company fully implemented the model for all 400 employees, maintaining full pay and 8-hour days over four days. CEO Tomasz Kaczmarek cites financial stability and new technology integration as key enablers.
Senuto
Warsaw-based SEO and content marketing platform Senuto has adopted a four-day working week with no salary reduction. The move is central to the company's strategy around work-life balance and employee wellbeing — part of a growing trend among Polish tech firms to attract and retain talent through progressive work arrangements.
DotLineCode
Digital product and brand experience agency DotLineCode has structured its work week around 36 hours across four days, with every Friday off and 100% of pay maintained. The company also offers hybrid remote options and flexible scheduling — positioning shorter weeks as a core part of their culture and recruitment proposition.
Government Action
The Legislative Roadmap
Ministry of Family, Labour & Social Policy
Poland's Ministry launched the Reduced Working Hours pilot programme in January 2026, enrolling 90 employers and over 5,000 employees. The PLN 50 million programme — funded via the Labour Fund — tests three models: a four-day week, shorter daily hours, and extended leave, all at full pay.
Results are due by May 2027. The findings will directly inform a parliamentary vote and potential amendments to the Polish Labour Code, with full implementation targeted for 2027. Over 1,994 employers applied to participate, demonstrating significant employer-side appetite for change.
View Official Programme ↗