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Poland’s Health & Benefits Overhaul: Essential Legislative Changes to be Aware of

Edyta Nowak Skawska

2 Min Read

Poland is currently undergoing significant legislative changes that will impact health and benefits policies.

Poland is currently undergoing significant legislative changes that will impact health and benefits policies. Below we have created a summary of key legislative changes which are set to bring about significant shifts in the health & benefits landscape in Poland.  Staying updated and compliant will be essential for professionals in the field.

Upcoming Legislative Changes to Note:

  • Minimum Wage Increase: Starting 1 January 2024, the minimum wage in Poland was PLN 4,242 gross, and increased to PLN 4,300 gross from 1 July 2024. The minimum hourly rate will also see an increase. For a gross salary of PLN 4,242, the net amount (take-home pay) is approximately PLN 3,221.98. Employers can make deductions from an employee’s salary without consent for specific reasons, such as alimony or advance payments, within legal limits.  Further changes are expected in January 2025.
  • Changes in Counting Employment Period: Starting 1 January 2026, the period of employment will include civil law contracts, agency contracts, business activities, and paid work during imprisonment and temporary detention. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive view of an individual’s employment history.
    Comes into effect: 1 January 2026

Recent Changes to be Aware of:

  •  Childcare Benefit Increase: The “500+” childcare benefit has been increased to 800 PLN per child, effective from 1 January 2024. This benefit is available for every child until they turn 18, regardless of the family’s income.
  • New Eye Health & Safety Regulations: As of 17 November 2023, employers must now provide corrective glasses or contact lenses if required by medical examination results. Additionally, employers have six months to adapt computer workstations to new health and safety requirements. This includes providing an external display or a stand to raise the screen to eye level, as well as an external keyboard and mouse for employees working with laptops for at least half of the daily working time.
  • Overtime Compensation for Civil Servants: As of 1 January 2024, civil servants will now be compensated for overtime work performed at the direction of a superior. This change ensures that civil servants are fairly compensated for their extra work.
  • Bridge Retirement Pension: Revised rules for granting “bridge pensions” for employees in special conditions or of a special nature took effect on 1 January 2024.  These pensions are for employees who performed work in special conditions, such as underground or in adverse microclimates, or duties requiring special responsibility or fitness.
  • Whistleblower Protection: As of 24 September 2024, employers with at least 50 employees now must implement an internal reporting procedure and extend protection to whistleblowers.  This is to ensure employees who report violations of the law are protected from retaliation.
  • Civil Contract to Employment Contract: As of September 2024, a new draft bill is under development which will allow the State Labor Inspectorate (PIP) to turn a civil law contract into an employment contract by administrative decision. Employers will have to review their civil law contracts to ensure they do not fulfil the characteristics of an employment relationship.

Our team of experts is always on hand to help you navigate these updates and ensure compliance. For more information on these legislative changes and how they may impact businesses please contact our specialists.

Edyta Nowak-Skawska

Head of the Health & Benefits Department
GrECo Poland

T +48 882 366 293

Pulse: News and Trends in Health & Benefits

In today’s competitive job market, your organisation’s Health & Benefits offering plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining the best of the best. Pulse, our Health & Benefits news hub, is dedicated to keeping you updated about the constant evolution of Health & Benefits across Central and Eastern Europe.
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