Poland Launches Pilot Program for Short working Time
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Warsaw, Poland – August 15, 2025 – Applications are now being accepted for a groundbreaking pilot program exploring the benefits of reduced working hours in poland. Spearheaded by Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, head of MRPiPS (Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy), the initiative seeks to determine if a work week shorter than the traditional eight hours can boost employee health, reduce burnout, and minimize workplace errors-all without negatively impacting company finances.
Program Funding and Timeline
The pilot program, funded through the Labor Fund, will allocate a total of PLN 50 million (approximately $12.3 million USD) between 2025 and 2027. PLN 10 million (approximately $2.46 million USD) is earmarked for 2025 alone.Individual pilot projects can receive up to PLN 1 million (approximately $246,000 USD) in support, with a maximum cost of PLN 20,000 (approximately $4,920 USD) per employee participating in the pilot.
Did You Know? Poland’s move aligns with a growing global trend toward exploring reduced workweeks, with similar trials underway in countries like Iceland and Spain.
Employer Perspectives and Concerns
While acknowledging the potential benefits of a shorter work week, Szymon Witkowski, a leading legislator for Employers of the Republic of poland, expressed reservations about the use of public funds. “We don’t mind piloting, but we have a problem with the fact that it is financed from public money, our taxes,” Witkowski stated. “However, this is an experiment and you can predict how it will end.”
eligibility Requirements
To participate in the pilot, companies must meet specific criteria. Eligible employers must have been operational for at least twelve months and employ at least 75 percent of their workforce under employment contracts.Furthermore, at least half of the company’s staff must be covered by the pilot program, and employment levels must remain at or above 90 percent throughout the duration of the trial. Crucially,the government guarantees that employee remuneration will not be reduced consequently of participating in the short working time pilot.
Key Program Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Funding (2025-2027) | PLN 50 million |
| funding for 2025 | PLN 10 million |
| Maximum Project Support | PLN 1 million |
| Maximum Cost Per Employee | PLN 20,000 |
| Minimum Operational Duration | 12 months |
Pro Tip: Employers considering participation should carefully review the full program guidelines available on the government website to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
The Broader Context of Reduced Work Time
The concept of reduced working time is gaining traction globally as research suggests a link between longer hours and decreased productivity, increased stress, and higher rates of burnout [[1]]. Advocates argue that a shorter work week can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers. However, concerns remain about the feasibility of implementing such changes across all industries and the potential impact on economic output.
will this pilot program pave the way for a widespread shift towards shorter working hours in Poland? And what lessons can other nations learn from this ambitious experiment?
The discussion surrounding work-life balance and employee well-being is a long-standing one, evolving with societal changes and technological advancements.The rise of remote work,accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic,has further fueled the debate about the optimal work arrangement. As automation continues to reshape the job market, the need to re-evaluate traditional work models becomes increasingly urgent. The Polish pilot program represents a strategic attempt to address these challenges proactively.
Frequently Asked questions about Poland’s Short Working time Pilot
- What is the primary goal of the pilot program? The program aims to assess the impact of shorter working hours on employee health, productivity, and company performance.
- Who is eligible to participate in the pilot? Companies that have been operating for at least 12 months and meet specific employment criteria are eligible.
- How much funding is available for each project? Individual projects can receive up to PLN 1 million in support.
- Will employees’ salaries be affected during the pilot? The government guarantees that employee remuneration will not be reduced.
- What are the potential benefits of a shorter work week? Potential benefits include improved employee health, reduced burnout, and increased productivity.
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