Pay Transparency as a New Standard for Protecting Employees
Poland is set to implement EU directives by 2026 that aim to enhance pay transparency and uphold equal pay principles for men and women in similar jobs.
By 2026, Poland, alongside other EU countries, is mandated to fully implement the directive from the European Parliament and Council dated May 10, 2023. This directive seeks to strengthen the principle of equal pay for men and women performing the same work or work of equal value. It introduces a variety of mechanisms aimed at increasing the transparency of pay rules and facilitating employees' pursuit of claims in cases of wage discrimination.
The Polish government has actually anticipated certain aspects of this directive, having introduced an amendment in June 2025, which will take effect on December 24, 2026. From the end of 2025, Polish employers will be required to disclose initial salary information or pay ranges to candidates prior to the first job interview. If they choose not to publish this information in job postings, they must still provide candidates with the initial salary or proposed pay range before the first interview takes place.
This shift towards greater pay transparency represents a significant step in labor rights within Poland, as it aligns with EU efforts to eradicate gender wage gaps and ensures that individuals are more informed about their potential earnings. The implications of these changes are profound, potentially leading to a cultural shift in workplace dynamics where pay equity becomes a norm rather than the exception, thus empowering employees to advocate for their rights effectively.