Changes to employment tenure in Poland 2026 for employers – The Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers in Poland has approved a draft amendment to the Polish Labour Code that introduces significant changes to how employment tenure is calculated. Starting January 1, 2026, not only traditional employment contracts but also periods of self-employment and work performed under civil law contracts will be included in employment tenure. These reforms are part of the Polish government's broader initiative to modernize labor regulations and better reflect diverse forms of work.
What changes from January 1, 2026?
The Polish Labour Code will recognize the following periods as part of employment tenure:
- Time spent running a business (self-employment),
- Periods under civil law contracts (e.g. contract of mandate or services),
- Documented work abroad,
- Membership in agricultural cooperatives.
These changes will directly affect HR departments and employers in Poland in terms of documentation and financial obligations.
Impact on employee entitlements
This legislative update will influence how various employee entitlements are calculated, including:
- Annual leave duration,
- Severance payments,
- Seniority-based allowances.
Employers will need to apply new rules when determining length of service, which directly affects the above benefits.
How will employment tenure be documented?
Employers in Poland will be required to verify non-standard employment periods with supporting documentation:
- Self-employment: ZUS (Polish Social Insurance Institution) certificate confirming paid contributions,
- Civil contracts: ZUS confirmation of contributions paid during the contract period,
- Work abroad: General proof such as contracts, settlements, or bank transfers.
This shift means HR departments must prepare for a level of verification not previously required under Polish employment law.
What does it mean in practice?
The upcoming employment tenure changes in Poland are not just a legal adjustment — they present real organizational and operational challenges for employers:
-
Updating internal policies
Work regulations and remuneration policies must reflect the new definitions of employment tenure. This includes:
- Rules for leave entitlement,
- Seniority-based bonuses,
- Thresholds for anniversary awards.
-
Reassessing benefits and leave policies
Employees whose tenure increases due to past self-employment or civil contracts may qualify for:
- Longer annual leave,
- Higher severance pay.
-
Updating HR and timekeeping systems
HR systems and time tracking (RCP) tools will need updates to correctly process and report the new tenure data. Time Harmony, as a system supporting work time registration and employee efficiency, can assist in collecting relevant employment data and generating reports necessary for proper tenure analysis.
-
HR and financial resources
Employers will need to assign additional staff to:
- Analyze and validate employee records,
- Communicate new rules to employees,
- Interact with ZUS or collect employee documentation.
Large organizations in Poland may face a months-long adjustment process requiring cross-functional collaboration across HR, legal, and IT departments.
Summary: Changes to employment tenure in Poland – key takeaways for employers
All employers in Poland must recalculate employee tenure considering new qualifying periods.
Internal regulations and policies need revisions.
HR documentation processes must accommodate new document types.
Financial planning should anticipate potential increases in benefits.
IT systems, including time registration tools like Time Harmony, should be adjusted to align with new requirements.
These changes are part of a comprehensive reform of the Polish Labour Code, led by the Polish government, aimed at aligning employment legislation with the evolving nature of the Polish labor market and making it more inclusive of various forms of employment. The revised law comes into force on January 1, 2026 — giving employers in Poland time to prepare, but not to delay.
Contact our team to find out how Time Harmony can support your organization in adjusting to these regulatory changes in Poland.
