Poland's employment framework is designed to balance operational needs with employee protections. Here's what you need to know:
Employment Types:
Permanent: Ongoing employment with full statutory benefits.
Fixed-Term: Hired for defined duration. A fixed-term employment contract does not have to be concluded for a specific purpose, such as a particular project. It is one of the forms of employment regulated by the Labor Code.
Temporary: Short-term assignments; entitled to statutory benefits like leave and overtime.
Probation Periods: Maximum probationary periods are 3 months for new employees. These periods allow employers to assess employee suitability before offering permanent employment. Notice periods during probation are 3 working days (up to 2 weeks probation) 1 week (over 2 weeks probation) and 2 weeks (for 3 months' probation), and the EOR ensures that all terms are compliant with the Polish Labor Code.
Working Hours & Overtime: In Poland, the standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Employees must receive 11 consecutive hours of daily rest and 35 consecutive hours of weekly rest. For eligible employees covered by the Labor Code overtime is paid 100% – for work at night, on Sundays and public holidays (if they are not regular working days), or on a day off granted for working on a public holiday, 50% – for overtime on a regular working day with annual limits of 150 hours per employee. The EOR ensures that all overtime is calculated correctly and that employee work hours comply with local regulations.
Leave Entitlements
Leave Type | Eligibility / Duration | Payment / Notes |
|---|
Annual Leave | 20 days (<10 years experience), 26 days (10+ years or university education) | Paid by employer; must be taken within calendar year or by Sept 30 following year |
Maternity Leave | 20 weeks | Paid leave for mothers, with additional weeks for multiple births |
Paternity Leave | 2 weeks | Paid leave for fathers within first 12 months of child's life |
Sick Leave | 182 days per year | 80% of regular salary paid by employer; longer periods covered by ZUS |
Public Holidays | 14 national holidays | Paid; premium compensation for work on holidays |
Parental Leave | Between 41-43 (for multiple births) weeks shared between parents, | Can be taken until child reaches 6 years of age |
Payroll & Benefits: Wages must meet Poland's minimum wage of PLN 4,806 monthly (2026), with progressive wage models applied in specific sectors. Atlas HXM manages payroll in PLN, ZUS contributions (employer and employee), statutory benefits, bonuses, and private health insurance. Supplemental benefits can include dental, vision, wellness programs, and professional development options.
Atlas HXM can help you manage these aspects and can help ensure that employees are supported and compliant with Poland's labor laws while businesses can focus on operations without administrative burdens.
