Shortened working week in Poland: the government is preparing for drastic changes in the labor code

The Polish government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has officially confirmed its intention to amend the country's Labor Code, providing for a reduction in working hours for workers. The relevant amendments must be approved before the end of the current government's term in 2027.

Changes to the Labor Code, currently under consideration by the government, could include the introduction of a four-day work week or a reduction of the working day to seven hours. The Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemyanovich-Bonk, said that it will be studied in detail which option will be optimal for the country: reducing the average working week from 40 to 35 hours or introducing a four-day working week.

According to Eurostat, the average working week in Poland is 40.5 hours, which is the second highest in the European Union after Greece. For comparison, the average indicator in the EU is 37.5 hours, and in the world - 34.2 hours. Such indicators put Poland among the leaders in the number of working hours per week, which pushes the government to the need for changes.

However, the government's initiative was not without criticism. Opponents of reducing working hours point to a serious demographic crisis in the country. According to them, 15 years ago four people worked for one pensioner, but today this figure has decreased to three. According to forecasts, by 2050 there will be only two workers for one pensioner. This can significantly affect the economic stability and development of the country.

The process of amending the Labor Code is expected to accelerate this fall, with possible completion as early as next spring. The reduction in working hours is seen not only as a labor reform, but also as an important step to strengthen support for the ruling coalition ahead of the 2025 presidential election.

This initiative of the Polish government can serve as a strong example for other countries seeking to achieve a better balance between the work and personal life of citizens, while taking into account the socio-economic challenges of the future.