Poland updates labor laws regarding mobbing and sick leave

Poland is implementing significant changes to labor regulations. Starting November 5, 2026, a new definition of mobbing will take effect, focusing on persistent, repetitive, or constant harassment. The law clarifies that single incidents do not constitute mobbing, but it removes the requirement to prove the perpetrator's intent or specific health damage to seek compensation. Employers will have until May 2027 to update internal regulations.

Additionally, recent changes to sick leave (L4) regulations have empowered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to 20 employees to conduct their own inspections. Data from Conperio indicates a 42 percent increase in such controls among SMEs since April 2026. Approximately 36 percent of these inspections have uncovered irregularities, such as employees engaging in recreational travel, manual labor, or secondary employment while on medical leave.

Other legislative updates include proposals to modernize communication between employers and trade unions by allowing electronic and document-based forms for requests and information exchange. Furthermore, business organizations like Konfederacja Lewiatan are calling for simplified procedures regarding the employment of foreign workers to improve administrative efficiency.