In 2025, employees in Poland will enjoy a few extra days off work, thanks to recent changes in legislation and the calendar. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has designated May 2 and November 10 as official days off for members of the civil service corps. This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance work-life balance for public sector employees.
The Prime Minister's order, signed on February 27, 2025, outlines that May 2 will be a day off due to the National Holiday of the Third of May, which falls on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Similarly, November 10 will be a day off in recognition of All Saints' Day, which falls on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This means that civil service employees will have the opportunity to enjoy extended weekends during these two periods.
According to Article 130 § 2 of the Labor Code, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday, employees are entitled to an additional day of leave. The law mandates that employers reduce working hours by 8 hours to compensate for the holiday. This rule applies to employees working under employment contracts, but it does not cover those with civil law contracts, such as task contracts or contracts for specific work.
For many, this change comes as a pleasant surprise. The ability to take advantage of these additional days off without the need to apply for leave means that civil service employees can enjoy four-day weekends during the May and November holidays. With May 1 falling on a Thursday and November 11 on a Tuesday, the designated days off create an ideal opportunity for extended breaks.
However, it is important to note that these days off are not additional holidays. According to the Labor Code, each public holiday occurring during the settlement period that falls on a day other than Sunday reduces working hours by 8 hours. Thus, the Prime Minister's order simply fulfills the legal obligation to designate alternative days off for holidays that fall on Saturdays.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees utilize their additional day off within the same month when the holiday falls on a Saturday. If an employer allows, this day off can be taken after the holiday, but they must provide a valid reason for any deviations from the standard policy.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties for employers. The law is clear: employees are entitled to a full day of leave for a holiday that falls on a Saturday, and this time cannot be split into hours.
In addition to the changes regarding days off, the year 2025 also sees the inclusion of December 24, Christmas Eve, in the list of official days off. This addition, stemming from the Act of January 18, 1951, marks a notable shift in holiday policy, allowing employees to enjoy more time with their families during the festive season.
Looking ahead, there have been discussions about potentially adding Good Friday to the list of official holidays. However, as of now, there are no indications that this change will be implemented in the near future.
Overall, the adjustments made by Prime Minister Tusk reflect a growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance in the public sector. As the calendar year unfolds, employees will benefit from these enhancements, allowing them to recharge and spend quality time with their loved ones.
For civil service members, the upcoming May and November weekends promise to be especially enjoyable, providing a much-needed respite from their professional responsibilities. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of modern work life, these changes symbolize a step towards a more balanced approach to employment.
