At the turn of December and January, Polish entrepreneurs were faced with several changes in labor law. Effective January 1, 2026, a new law amends the Labor Code and other statutes, introducing Article 3021, which outlines the basis for counting periods of employment for workers, including various forms of professional activity. This change is part of a broader reform regarding remote work regulations, payment of compensation for unused leave upon termination of employment, and employee representation in matters related to the social benefits fund.

Starting January 1, provisions came into effect that allow periods that include contracting work and agency agreements, along with non-agricultural entrepreneurial activities, to be counted toward work experience in the public sector. The integration of these new rules aims to recognize diverse work experiences individuals may have accumulated outside traditional employment, thereby increasing their eligibility and potentially enhancing the workforce enter the public sector.

These changes reflect a significant shift in Poland's labor market policy, potentially influencing how public sector job candidates are evaluated during recruitment. By expanding the criteria for counting work experience, the reforms could encourage a more diverse range of applicants, fostering a more inclusive approach to employment in public administration.