Bank Holidays in Poland

Poland is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions, and its bank holidays are a reflection of this. For businesses, employers, and employees, understanding the structure of Polish bank holidays is key to ensuring compliance with labour laws and maintaining efficient business operations. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of Polish bank holidays, the rights and obligations of employers and employees, and how these holidays impact businesses.

What are bank holidays in Poland?

Bank holidays in Poland are public holidays during which government offices, schools, and most businesses typically close. These holidays often have religious, historical, or national significance and are widely observed by the public. They provide an opportunity for employees to rest, spend time with family, and participate in cultural or religious activities.

How many bank holidays are there in Poland?

Poland has 14 official bank holidays recognized nationwide. These holidays reflect the country’s Catholic heritage as well as significant historical events that have shaped the nation. Here’s a list of the official bank holidays in Poland:

1. New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok) – January 1st
2. Epiphany (Święto Trzech Króli) – January 6th
3. Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc) – Date varies
4. Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny) – Date varies
5. Labor Day (Święto Pracy) – May 1st
6. Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja) – May 3rd
7. Whit Sunday (Zesłanie Ducha Świętego) – Date varies
8. Corpus Christi (Boże Ciało) – Date varies
9. Assumption of Mary (Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny) – August 15th
10. Polish Army Day (Święto Wojska Polskiego) – August 15th
11. All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) – November 1st
12. Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości) – November 11th
13. Christmas Day (Boże Narodzenie) – December 25th
14. Second Day of Christmas (Drugi Dzień Bożego Narodzenia) – December 26th

Working on bank holidays in Poland: What are the rules?

Whether employees are required to work on bank holidays in Poland depends on the nature of the business and specific contractual agreements. Similar to many European countries, the default rule is that most employees are not expected to work on these days, with exceptions in certain industries.

• General rule: According to Article 151(10) of the Polish Labor Code, the general rule is that employees are not required to work on bank holidays. However, there are exceptions for those employed in essential sectors such as healthcare, transport, or retail. In these industries, businesses may operate on bank holidays based on customer demand or service requirements, as legally regulated by this article.
• Mandatory holidays: Some holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1st) and Constitution Day (May 3rd), hold particular importance, and businesses are expected to adhere to the holiday regulations unless continuous services are needed.
• Company agreements: Employers may establish agreements with their employees or collective bargaining organizations regarding work on bank holidays. In such cases, employees may be entitled to additional compensation or time off.

Compensations for working on bank holidays

For employees required to work on a bank holiday, Polish labour law mandates compensation in various forms. The specific terms are usually outlined in employment contracts, but common practices include offering overtime pay, where employees working on a bank holiday are typically entitled to double their regular wage.

Alternatively, some employees may agree to take compensatory time off, where instead of receiving higher pay, they are granted an additional day off at a later date. According to Polish labor laws, if the work performed falls within the standard eight-hour period, the employer is obligated to provide the employee with a day off. It is crucial for employers to ensure these terms are clear and fully compliant with Polish labour laws to avoid disputes and maintain a harmonious work environment.

Impact of bank holidays on businesses

Bank holidays can influence business operations in various ways, particularly for companies that rely on daily customer interactions or continuous production.

• Operational adjustments: Businesses may need to alter their hours of operation or close entirely on bank holidays. This is especially common in sectors like retail and hospitality, where foot traffic can significantly decrease during public holidays.
• Staff management: For businesses that remain open, it is crucial to plan ahead by adjusting employee schedules and ensuring that sufficient staffing is available to meet operational demands without overburdening workers.
• Communication with customers: Businesses should clearly communicate any changes to their operating hours during bank holidays, whether through websites, social media, or direct notifications to clients.

Obligations for employers

Employers in Poland are required to comply with national labor laws, as outlined in the Polish Labor Code, regarding bank holidays. They must ensure that employees’ rights are respected, particularly in relation to mandatory holidays and the provision of compensation for those who work on these days. According to the Labor Code, employees working on bank holidays are entitled to fair compensation, which should be clearly stated in their employment agreements.

Additionally, if employees are required to work on a bank holiday, they should be informed well in advance, with the compensation structure clearly communicated to avoid any confusion or disputes.

Holiday entitlement and bank holidays

In Poland, bank holidays are generally considered separate from an employee’s annual leave entitlement. Bank holidays do not usually count towards an employee’s paid leave unless they fall on a Saturday, in which case no additional day off is provided.

For part-time workers, entitlement to bank holidays depends on their work schedule. If a bank holiday falls on a day they would normally work, they are entitled to the day off with pay. If the holiday does not coincide with their regular workday, there is no entitlement to time off.

Navigating bank holidays in Poland

Understanding bank holidays in Poland is essential for both employers and employees to maintain compliance with labour regulations and ensure smooth business operations. For businesses, proper planning is key to balancing operational needs with employee rights. For employees, bank holidays provide an important opportunity to rest and observe important national and religious events.

If you need assistance with employment law compliance, workforce management, or any other HR-related services in Poland, we are here to help.