Poland introduces new sick leave rules, allowing some to work while on leave from 2027

Poland is introducing significant changes to its sick leave system, with new regulations aimed at improving control and clarifying employee rights and responsibilities. Some provisions have already taken effect, while a major overhaul is slated for 2027.

The immediate changes focus on defining what activities are permissible while on sick leave and strengthening oversight. Employees may lose their entitlement to benefits if they engage in work that contradicts the purpose of their leave or undertake activities that hinder recovery. However, minor, incidental tasks, such as signing documents when no one else is authorized or handling urgent official matters, are still permitted. Daily chores like grocery shopping or taking a child to kindergarten are also allowed if unavoidable and no alternative help is available.

Starting January 1, 2027, a revolutionary change will allow employees with multiple employment contracts to continue working for one employer while on sick leave from another, provided their health condition allows. Currently, illness incapacitating an employee for one job automatically disqualifies them from working any other, requiring separate sick leave certificates for each position.

Under the new system, a doctor, upon the insured person's request, may not issue a sick leave certificate for a specific employment if the nature of that work allows for continued performance. This aims to provide flexibility for individuals juggling multiple roles, acknowledging that not all work is equally strenuous or detrimental to recovery.