New labor code reforms in Poland will significantly impact vacation entitlements, work tenure calculations, and unused leave compensation.
Key Changes to Vacation Entitlements
Poland’s 2026 labor code reforms will introduce substantial changes affecting employees’ vacation leave. Alongside regulations on salary transparency, gender neutrality, and minimum wage increases, significant updates will impact vacation calculations and compensation.
Changes taking effect from January 1, 2026, include modifications to work tenure calculation—directly affecting vacation duration—and new rules for paying compensation for unused leave. The reforms also introduce a pilot program for reduced working hours while maintaining full salary and vacation rights.
Work Tenure Calculation Updates
Under Art. 154 § 1 of the Labor Code, employees with less than 10 years of service receive 20 days of vacation, while those with 10 or more years receive 26 days. The calculation is based on total work tenure, not just years with a specific employer.
2026 brings significant changes to work tenure calculation through Art. 3021, which now includes periods under civil law contracts. This change could grant many employees an additional six days of leave. To benefit, employees must obtain confirmation from the Social Insurance Institution documenting their work under civil law contracts and pension insurance coverage.
Unused Leave Compensation Rules
Current regulations grant employees compensation for unused leave when employment ends, but without specified payment timing, causing administrative complications. The January 27, 2026 amendment establishes clear deadlines: payment must occur within the regular payroll period or within 10 days of employment termination.
While these rules don’t directly affect vacation length, they significantly impact the consequences of leave non-use.
Pilot Program for Reduced Working Hours
Starting January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy’s pilot program will implement reduced working hours while maintaining full salary and vacation entitlement. Employees working fewer hours will still be eligible for their complete 20 or 26-day vacation allowance.
The program involves 90 employers and over 5,000 employees. Three models of reduced hours are available, with flexibility for employers to propose models tailored to their specific work requirements. This initiative aims to improve work-life balance while increasing employee efficiency.
Additional Civil Service Benefits
A Prime Minister’s regulation dated January 5, 2026, established two additional days off for civil service employees, officials, and those in higher civil service positions.
Practically, this means civil servants in 2026 can extend two weekends with additional Fridays off, enhancing their work-life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Work tenure determines vacation length: employees with less than 10 years receive 20 days, while those with 10 or more years get 26 days.
From 2026, work tenure includes periods under contracts of mandate or for specific work, as well as work performed abroad.
As of January 27, 2026, compensation for unused leave must be paid within the regular payroll period or within 10 days of employment termination.
