Polish employees must review documentation by May 1, 2026, to potentially increase their employment rights and avoid losing vacation days or pay.
Expanded Entitlements Available to Workers
Employees are encouraged to examine their records and determine if they can expand their entitlements. A limited timeframe exists to document additional professional experience, or they risk losing benefits.
Changes to regulations regarding length of service now apply to all workers, not just those in the public sector, effective May 1, 2026. This allows all employees to improve their situation by submitting documentation confirming additional periods of professional activity.
Timeframe for Documentation
According to Article 5 of the September 26, 2025 amendment to the Labor Code, employees have 24 months to document periods qualifying as length of service. For public sector employees, this period begins January 1, 2026, and May 1, 2026, for the private sector.
However, this 24-month limit applies only to those employed on January 1, 2026 (public sector) and May 1, 2026 (private sector). Other employees can document periods under general labor law provisions.
Benefits of Increased Length of Service
Documenting additional employment history can lead to increased vacation time, longer notice periods, higher severance pay, and, for public sector employees, increased seniority bonuses and faster access to jubilee awards.
Employees should review periods of activity not covered by standard employment contracts, such as contract work or business activity, to see if they can be included in their length of service.
Legal Basis
Article 5 of the Act of September 26, 2025, amending the Labor Code and other acts (Journal of Laws of 2025, item 1423).