Working time in 2026 – what should an entrepreneur know?

The number of working hours in 2026 will be slightly different than last year. These changes are important because they impact, among other things, the annual work schedule, budget, and proper employee settlements. How many working days will there be in 2026? Let us find out.

Working time in 2026 – more hours to work?

Pursuant to Article 129 §1 of the Labour Code, an employee’s maximum working time may not exceed 8 hours per day and an average of 40 hours in an average five-day working week over an assumed settlement period not exceeding 4 months. Working time is calculated taking into account public holidays and assuming an average five-day working week.

In 2026, full-time employees will work a total of 2,008 hours in a standard five-day workweek. That is 16 hours more than in 2025. Read: Working time in 2025: practical tips for employers

Public holidays on Saturday in 2026 – is it necessary to give the employee a day off?

In 2026, two holidays will fall on Saturday, which is a day off for many employees:

• August 15 (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
• December 26 (Christmas Day)

In such a situation, the employer is obligated to grant employees an additional day off at a different time within the given settlement period. This will reduce working hours by 8 hours in the months in which these holidays fall. See also: Automatic settlement of employee working time

Public holidays on Sundays in 2026 – is an employee entitled to a day off?

In 2026 we have a total of 52 Sundays in the calendar, and 4 of them are holidays:

• April 5 – Easter
• May 3 – May 3 Constitution Day
• May 24 – Pentecost
• November 1 – All Saints’ Day

According to the Labour Code, an employee is not entitled to an additional day off for a public holiday that falls on a Sunday. The Labour Code designates Sunday as a day off. However, there are situations in which work on this day is permitted, including continuous shift work, work in company fire departments, rescue services, and the protection of property and people. An employee who performed work on Sunday is entitled to a day off:

• for work on Sunday: the employer must provide another day off within 6 calendar days preceding or following that Sunday,
• for work on a public holiday: the day off must be granted during the settlement period.

Sunday work is considered to be work performed between 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and 6:00 a.m. on Monday, unless the employer has agreed otherwise.

Days off and public holidays in 2026 – here is a list

Below you will find a detailed breakdown. It will help you plan your work and vacation time for the coming year. The table shows working hours, the number of working days, and days off for each month.

* Reduced by 8 hours due to a holiday falling on Saturday (August 15). ** Reduced by 8 hours due to a holiday falling on Saturday (December 26). This reduction is also due to the Christmas Eve holiday falling on Thursday.

See also: Reduced working time – a project with subsidies for companies

Christmas Eve 2026 a day off from work – why?

On February 1, 2025, the Act of December 6, 2024, amending the Act on Public Holidays and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2024 – item 1965) entered into force. Under the new regulations, Christmas Eve has been established as a public holiday. Read: Christmas Eve is a public holiday. What does this mean for employers?

Employees will benefit from an additional day off on Christmas Eve from 2025, which means that in 2026 the working time will also be reduced by 8 hours.

Automatic working time settlement – how can we help?

An automated time and attendance system (RCP) is much more than just a record-keeping system. It is a tool that collects, analyses, and processes time-related data, providing employers with key information for effective workforce planning and management.

As part of our services, we offer access to the Asistar RCP system. This innovative solution automates work time accounting processes, ensuring full compliance with Polish law.

The Asistar RCP system was designed with the needs of:

• managers,
• HR and payroll departments,
• and the employees themselves.

This comprehensive tool simplifies daily work time management in your company. Learn more about the RCP system!