Poland has been preparing for the biggest labour marketplace experimentation in years. Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy (MRPiPS) announced launch operating time simplification pilotto check how less hours worked will affect the efficiency of companies and the welfare of employees. Programme PLN 10 million from the Labour Fund and participation will be voluntary.
Three models for shortening working time
Minister as announced Agnieszka Dziemianovich-Bąkparticipants will be able to test various forms of shortening of working time, depending on the specifics of the industry. Among the options available are:
- reduced working day with a circumstantial number of hours,
- extension of leave Staff,
- reduction of working days per week, including up to four.
As the Minister stressed, flexibility of models I want it to be key. For example, in the manufacturing sector, where the regular dimension of work cannot be easy reduced, leave may be extended. This approach is intended to let changes to be adapted to the realities of each industry.
Timetable for implementation of piloting
Detailed rules of the pilot scheme to be published to the end June 2025. In turn recruitment will begin after vacationwhich means that the first companies can start investigating as early as autumn. The full pilotage will take about 12 months. erstwhile it has been completed, the ministry will examine the results and draw up legislative proposals that could enable shorter working time to be implemented Wider scale.
Preliminary analyses: more productivity, no losses
Analytical work on the model of shortening working time in Poland has already started in 2024. He reported Beck-Kuzielewski Kastor, Head of investigation and strategy Department at MRPiPS, held many meetings with entrepreneurs and local governmentswhich allowed to collect extended investigation material.
During European economical legislature (EEC) Beck-Kuzielewski revealed that in companies that had already tested akin solutions, increase in labour productivity, without simultaneously falling wages or operating stagnation. Though he had not yet given details, he pointed out that The script will shortly be revealed.
No universal model – request to match
The Ministry makes it clear that There is no 1 universal scheme shortening the week of work that could be imposed on everyone. The success of this solution depends on model adaptation to company specifics, its operational needs and the characteristics of the industry.
The intent of piloting is to be developing flexible solutions, which will be able to operate in parallel in different sectors – from services, through administration, to industry. The key will be real test datato aid in a sound impact assessment of the introduction of shorter working hours.
International context and possible consequences
Poland is not the first country to analyse or test four-day work week. specified programs have already been carried out, among others, in United Kingdom, Iceland or Spainwhere reports indicate improved well-being of workers and maintaining (and in any cases increasing) productivity.
The introduction of a shorter week of work in Poland – even in selected industries – can affect:
- improving the intellectual and physical wellness of workers,
- increasing the attractiveness of employment in companies implementing specified a model,
- reduction of staff turnover and increased worker involvement,
- new regulatory and organisational needs at enterprise level.
At the same time, it will be essential to monitor risks, including, for example, congestion on shorter working days or the exclusion of companies that are incapable to technically shorten the working week.
What's next?
Although the pilot programme is just starting, his results can have far-reaching effects for the labour marketplace in Poland. According to erstwhile studies, the thought meets strong interest of employers and employees, which indicates the request for deep modernisation of the work system.
Ministry announces The effects of the experimentation will be the basis for possible legislative changeswhich, if the pilot succeeds, may mean The beginning of a fresh era in the organization of work in Poland.
More here:
Four-day work week becomes a fact. Ministry reveals details
