Poland pilots shorter workweek, early results show boosted wellbeing and productivity
Poland’s Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy began a pilot of reduced working hours in January 2026, and the first feedback from participating firms is positive.
In January 2026 the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy launched a pilot to test shorter working hours across a range of Polish companies. Seventy-eight employers are taking part, trying out options such as a four-day week, additional free days or extended leave, all while preserving current wages and employment conditions. Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk reported that initial observations are encouraging, noting gains in staff wellbeing, work efficiency and employer satisfaction.
She emphasized that successful implementation requires careful organisational planning to avoid productivity loss. The trial will continue until the end of 2026, with comprehensive results expected in the first months of 2027, potentially prompting legislative or organisational reforms.
Why it matters
Shorter workweeks could reshape labour standards and influence productivity across Europe.
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