Work 4 Days a Week: Polish Companies Adopting the New Model

Are you tired of the traditional five-day workweek?

Do you dream of having an extra day off while still earning your full salary?

This dream is becoming reality for more Polish workers as companies across the country begin experimenting with the four-day workweek.

What Is the Four-Day Workweek?

The four-day workweek is exactly what it sounds like – working four days instead of five, while still receiving your full salary. There are two main approaches:

• Compressed hours – Working the same 40 hours but spread across four days (10 hours per day)

• Reduced hours – Working fewer hours (typically 32 hours) across four days with no reduction in pay

Most Polish companies experimenting with this model are choosing the second option – the true “work less, earn the same” approach.

Polish Companies Leading the Way

Several forward-thinking Polish companies have already started implementing four-day workweeks. Here are some notable examples:

Herbapol Poznań

One of Poland’s oldest companies, Herbapol Poznań, which produces herbal teas and supplements, has become a pioneer in adopting the four-day workweek Herbapol Poznań announced the introduction of a four-day workweek for all of its staff, which includes around 400 employees.

The company didn’t make the change overnight. Instead, they’re using a gradual approach In the first quarter, each employee had one Friday off per month. In the second quarter, it was two Fridays, in the third, it will be three, and by the end of the year, Herbapol will be operating on a 32-hour workweek.

What’s most remarkable is that employees continue to receive 100% of their salary despite working fewer hours.

IT Companies Leading the Trend

The technology sector is often at the forefront of workplace innovation, and the four-day workweek is no exception. Several Polish IT companies have adopted this model:

• Spadiora – A software development company IT companies operating in Poland, such as Spadiora and Senuto, have also decided on a four-day workweek

• Senuto – A SEO and digital marketing company

• TimeCamp – A time tracking software company based in Wrocław that is preparing for the transition TimeCamp, a time tracking software developer headquartered in Wrocław, Poland, will share the fate of other two million companies facing this emerging labor transformation

These companies view the shortened workweek not just as a benefit for employees but as a strategic advantage that can help them attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

Benefits Reported by Polish Companies

Companies that have implemented the four-day workweek are reporting several positive outcomes:

Improved Productivity

Despite working fewer hours, many companies find that productivity remains the same or even improves. As one Herbapol Poznań representative explained “The introduction of greater automation and other new technologies mean that we can achieve better results with lower expenditure of time and personnel”.

Better Employee Satisfaction

Workers with three-day weekends report higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance. They have more time for family, hobbies, and rest.

Lower Burnout Rates

Having an extra day to rest and recharge helps prevent burnout, which is a growing concern in many industries.

Competitive Advantage in Hiring

Companies offering four-day workweeks stand out in the job market, making it easier to attract talented employees.

Government Perspective on Shorter Workweeks

The Polish government has been paying attention to these workplace experiments. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy is actively analyzing the possibility of introducing regulations to support shorter working hours Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk stated in an interview that her team is currently analysing the possibility of introducing a four-day workweek or reducing the working hours.

The government is considering two main options:

•  A four-day workweek (32 hours)

• Reduced daily hours (7 hours per day, 35 hours per week)

Any legislative changes would be significant, as Poland hasn’t seen major changes to working time regulations since the 1980s For over 40 years, we have been working according to the same scheme: 40 hours a week and eight hours a day.

Challenges and Considerations

While the four-day workweek has many supporters, implementing it isn’t without challenges:

Industry Limitations

Not all industries can easily adopt this model. According to surveys More than half of the respondents said that switching their company to a four-day workweek was impossible due to the specifics of their industry.

Customer Expectations

Businesses that serve customers five or more days a week need to ensure continuous coverage, which may require staggering employee schedules.

Adjustment Period

Both managers and employees need time to adjust to the new schedule and find ways to maintain productivity with fewer working hours.

Mindset Change

Success requires a shift from measuring work by hours spent to measuring results achieved.

How Companies Are Making It Work

Polish companies that have successfully implemented four-day workweeks share some common strategies:

Process Improvements

Companies review their workflows to eliminate inefficient practices and unnecessary meetings.

Technology Adoption

Automation and digital tools help employees accomplish more in less time.

Clear Goals and Metrics

Setting specific, measurable goals helps teams stay focused and productive despite fewer working hours.

Gradual Implementation

Many companies start with trial periods or phased implementation, as Herbapol Poznań has done.

Could Your Company Be Next?

If you’re interested in a four-day workweek at your workplace, here are some points to consider:

Legal Framework

Currently, Polish law doesn’t prevent companies from implementing four-day workweeks To date, no legislation has been introduced that would prevent an employer from introducing a four-day working week. These arrangements are typically made through agreements between employers and employees.

Trial Periods

Many successful implementations start with trial periods to identify and address any challenges.

Business Case

Building a business case that shows how a four-day workweek could benefit both employees and the company’s bottom line can help convince decision-makers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Would I earn less money with a four-day workweek?

A: In the model being adopted by Polish companies, employees receive their full salary despite working fewer hours. This is different from part-time work, where pay is reduced proportionally.

Q: How can companies afford to pay the same for less work?

A: Companies are banking on increased productivity, reduced turnover, lower absenteeism, and other benefits to offset the cost of paying for hours not worked.

Q: Are there any laws in Poland requiring companies to offer four-day workweeks?

A: No, currently there are no laws mandating four-day workweeks. Companies are implementing these changes voluntarily, though the government is studying the possibility of introducing supportive regulations.

Q: Which industries in Poland are most likely to adopt four-day workweeks?

A: IT, marketing, creative industries, and manufacturing companies with high levels of automation are most likely to implement four-day workweeks successfully.

Q: How does Poland compare to other European countries regarding work hours?

A: Poles work more hours on average than many of their European counterparts, making the potential shift to a four-day workweek particularly significant.

Conclusion

The four-day workweek is gaining momentum in Poland, with companies like Herbapol Poznań and several IT firms leading the way. While not suitable for every industry or company, the model has shown promising results in terms of maintaining productivity while improving employee satisfaction and work-life balance.

As more Polish companies experiment with this approach and share their results, and as the government considers supportive regulations, we may see a significant shift in Poland’s work culture in the coming years.

For now, the four-day workweek remains a choice for forward-thinking companies, but it represents an exciting possibility for the future of work in Poland.

Mika Garcia

Mika Garcia es autora del sitio Brasileiros na Bélgica, donde comparte conocimientos sobre el mundo empresarial y la vida cotidiana en el extranjero. Graduada en Letras, con especialización en Marketing y Administración Empresarial, Mika acumuló una vasta experiencia en el mercado antes de decidir llevar su contenido a internet, con el objetivo de ayudar a más personas a través de su alcance online. Apasionada por las mascotas, el té y los buenos libros, Mika combina su experiencia profesional con una visión personal, ofreciendo a sus lectores contenidos relevantes y cercanos que reflejan su trayectoria y dedicación a brindar información útil y accesible.