Employer of record in Poland | Culture

Culture and Holidays in Poland

Languages

Polish is the official language of Poland and is used in all government, legal, and educational settings. However, English is widely taught in schools and is commonly used in business, particularly in multinational companies, IT services, and finance. As a result, Poland has one of the highest English proficiencies in the world, often ranking within the top 15 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index. In addition to English, common languages for multilingual individuals in Poland include German and Russian.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Polish workplace culture is deeply rooted in respect for hierarchy, formality, and relationship-building, while also embracing modern business practices. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for successful business interactions in Poland.

Workplace hierarchy and authority

Polish companies typically exhibit hierarchical structures, with decision-making authority concentrated at the top levels. Employees are expected to show deference to senior management, and decisions often require approval from higher-ranking officials. However, Polish employees are known for their "ownership mindset,” meaning they will give proactive feedback or even push back if necessary to ensure quality products rather than blindly follow directions. Being straightforward and direct is seen as a sign of respect.

Email and phone etiquette

In Poland, business communication is characterized by directness and clarity, balanced with politeness and diplomacy. While Poles appreciate straightforwardness, they also value maintaining harmony in professional relationships. Therefore, it’s important to be clear and concise while also being respectful and considerate in your interactions. Email serves as the primary form of business communication in Poland, and it’s customary to schedule phone or video calls ahead of time.

Meeting etiquette and punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in Polish business culture; arriving late to meetings is considered unprofessional. Initial meetings often focus on building trust and personal relationships before delving into business discussions. A firm handshake with direct eye contact is the standard greeting, and addressing counterparts by their professional titles and surnames is customary until invited to use first names.

Professional dress code

The dress code in Polish business settings tends to be formal. Conservative dresses or suits, with ties for men, are typical. Dressing professionally is seen as a sign of respect and seriousness about the business at hand.

National holidays

A number of public holidays are recognized in Poland.

• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
• Jan. 6: Feast of the Three Kings
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• May 1: Labor Day (Note: Since May 3 is also a holiday, many employees also take off May 2 as a bridge holiday. This is known as Majówka, translated as “the May long weekend.”)
• May 3: Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja (Constitution Day)
• Zielone Świątki (Pentecost Sunday)
• Boże Ciało (Corpus Christi) (Note: Since this holiday always falls on a Thursday, many employees also take off the following day as a bridge holiday.)
• Aug. 15: Polish Army Day
• Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day
• Nov. 11: Independence Day
• Dec. 25 and Dec. 26: Christmas

Under Polish labor law, employers must give workers eight hours off for each holiday that does not fall on a Sunday (even if the worker was to work fewer than eight hours on the given holiday). If working conditions make it impossible to give that day off or the holiday falls on a weekend, employers must give workers eight hours off during another regular working day in the settlement period. Settlement periods vary, depending on the nature of the work, and typically do not exceed four months. Employers may only exchange overtime pay (double the usual rate) for working on a holiday if it is impossible to grant a day off before the end of the settlement period.