Poland readies major HR overhaul ahead of EU pay‑transparency rules

Poland is preparing for the EU’s pay‑transparency directive (2023/970), which obliges companies to demonstrate that wage differences are based on objective criteria – skills, effort, responsibility and working conditions. The law, which entered into force on 6 June 2023, requires firms to redesign job‑descriptions, adopt consistent job‑valuation systems and rebuild pay structures, not merely report gender‑pay gaps.

Implementation is complex and multi‑stage. The original domestic law was slated for 7 June 2026 but was postponed due to its scale and lack of detailed guidance. A revised draft is back in public consultation, with the earliest compliance deadline now expected in 2027. Business groups warn that a 2026 deadline is unrealistic, urging companies to start preparations now to avoid legal risks, employee turnover and operational disruption. Experts stress that the hardest part will be justifying pay levels for each role, rather than generating simple reports.