On February 17, 2026, Poland’s Council of Ministers passed amendments to the Labor Code, increasing bullying compensation and clarifying definitions.
New Anti-Bullying Regulations Approved
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Council of Ministers approved a bill to amend anti-bullying regulations prepared by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy (MRPiPS). The changes primarily focus on simplifying the definition of bullying and strengthening employee protection.
The reform also proposes increasing compensation for psychological violence in the workplace. The new regulations will also protect employers from baseless accusations.
Why Changes to Anti-Bullying Laws Are Necessary
The current definition of bullying in the Labor Code has raised doubts for years. According to Article 93[3] § 2 of the Labor Code, “bullying means actions or behaviors concerning an employee or directed against an employee, consisting of persistent and long-term harassment or intimidation of the employee, causing him to have a diminished assessment of professional usefulness.”
The ministry considers this definition to be poorly understood – both by employees and entrepreneurs. For a behavior to be recognized as bullying, it is currently necessary for several elements to occur simultaneously.
New Definition of Bullying
The bill to amend the Labor Code introduces a new – more transparent and practical – definition of bullying. The new regulations indicate key characteristics of bullying, in particular: persistent and deliberate actions, psychological or physical nature, and causing harm or humiliation.
The aim of the changes is to adapt the regulations to the realities of the modern labor market and increase the effectiveness of protection for the employed.
Protection Against False Bullying Accusations
The bill also provides greater protection for employers. Actions justified and expressed in the proper form related to the performance of official duties will not be considered bullying, such as: legitimate criticism of work performance, issuing warnings, delegating tasks, or conducting performance evaluations.
Higher Compensation for Bullying
The amendment also raises the minimum amount of compensation for bullying. According to the proposed changes, the minimum compensation for bullying will be six times the minimum wage for work. Currently, an employee who has experienced bullying can demand compensation in an amount not lower than the minimum wage for work.
New Employer Obligations
The proposed bill also introduces the obligation to define rules for preventing: bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, harassment, and other undesirable phenomena in the workplace. Employers with at least 9 employees will have to regulate these issues in an internal document – for example in the work regulations.
Next Steps for the Bill
After being approved by the Council of Ministers, the bill to amend the Labor Code will go to the Sejm. If passed, and much indicates it will, the changes will enter into force still this year.