Polish law provides additional rights for employed individuals with disabilities, impacting working hours, leave, and workplace accommodations starting in 2026.
Eligibility for Additional Rights
Employee rights are granted from the day the employer includes you in the headcount of people with disabilities, typically upon presentation of the first disability certificate. Subsequent certificates follow similar rules: rights are granted from the date of application, or up to three months retroactively if the certificate confirms it.
Working Time and Pay Standards
The daily work limit for individuals with disabilities is 8 hours, and the weekly limit is 40 hours. For those with a significant or moderate degree of disability, these limits are reduced to a maximum of 7 hours daily and 35 hours weekly. Night work and overtime are generally prohibited, except for security duties or with a doctor’s approval.
Breaks and Additional Leave
Employees working at least 6 hours are entitled to a 15-minute break. Individuals with disabilities receive an additional 15 minutes for exercise or rest, regardless of daily working hours; both breaks are counted as work time. Those with a significant or moderate disability are also entitled to 10 days of additional annual leave, earned after one year of being classified under that disability level.
Leave Limitations
The combined total of additional leave and rehabilitation stays cannot exceed 21 working days per calendar year.
Time Off for Examinations and Rehabilitation
Employees with a significant or moderate degree of disability are eligible for paid time off (calculated as vacation pay equivalent) for participation in rehabilitation programs, specialist examinations, and obtaining or repairing orthopedic equipment.
Employer Obligations and Workplace Adjustments
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, unless they represent a disproportionate burden. If an employee loses the ability to perform their current job due to work-related accident or illness, the employer must organize a new, suitable position within three months.
Wage Considerations with Reduced Hours
Reducing working hours does not result in a reduction in wages. Hourly rates must be adjusted to maintain the employee’s previous salary level.
