Poland Grants Two Extra Public Holidays in 2026 Due to Weekend Falls

In 2026, Polish employees will benefit from two additional days off work, a consequence of two national holidays falling on Saturdays. This provision, stemming from the Polish Labor Code, ensures that workers do not lose out on holiday time when a public holiday coincides with a weekend.

The holidays in question are August 15, which marks the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Polish Armed Forces Day, and December 26, the second day of Christmas. When a public holiday falls on a Saturday, employers are legally obligated to grant employees an alternative day off. The specific timing of this compensatory day is usually determined by the employer, either unilaterally or in agreement with the employee, and is often tied to the company's accounting period.

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Since August 15 falls on a Saturday, the employer – to maintain the correct working time – must grant the employee a day off, at a time determined by themselves through a unilateral decision or individually in agreement with the employee.

For employees under a monthly accounting period, the day off for the August 15 holiday must be granted in August, and the day off for the December 26 holiday must be given in December. Companies with longer accounting periods may allow for more flexibility, with the day off needing to be taken by the end of that period. Meanwhile, government administration employees are set to receive Friday, August 14, and Monday, December 28, 2026, as their compensatory days off, enabling them to enjoy extended holiday weekends.

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In the case of a one-month accounting period, the day off in 2026 for the August 15 holiday must be granted in August, and for the December 26 holiday – in December.