Working in Poland

In Poland, the working conditions are governed by the Labor Code, which outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and employees. Here’s an overview of the basic labor code requirements and working conditions in Poland:

  1. Working Hours: According to the Labor Code, the standard working time is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Any work exceeding these limits is considered overtime and should be compensated accordingly.
  2. Overtime: Overtime work should not exceed 150 hours per year. Overtime pay is typically higher than regular pay, usually 150% or 200% of the standard rate, depending on the circumstances.
  3. Rest Periods: Employees are entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between working days. Additionally, they should have at least one day off per week, usually Sunday.
  4. Minimum Wage: Poland has a statutory minimum wage, which is revised annually. As of my last update, it was 2,600 PLN gross per month for full-time work, though this may have changed.
  5. Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to paid annual leave, which typically ranges from 20 to 26 days per year, depending on various factors such as length of service.
  6. Health and Safety: Employers are obligated to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. This includes adhering to safety regulations, providing necessary protective equipment, and conducting risk assessments.
  7. Discrimination and Harassment: The Labor Code prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on various factors such as gender, age, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
  8. Termination and Severance: The Labor Code regulates the procedures for termination of employment contracts, including notice periods and severance pay in certain circumstances.
  9. Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to organize and participate in collective bargaining agreements with their employers through trade unions or other representative bodies.
  10. Employment Contracts: Employment contracts should be in writing and include essential terms and conditions of employment, such as job title, working hours, remuneration, and duration of the contract if applicable.

It’s important to note that this is a general overview, and there may be additional regulations and specific provisions depending on the industry and type of employment. Employees should familiarize themselves with their rights under the Labor Code and seek legal advice if they believe their rights are being violated.