Small Polish employers gain new rights to inspect sick leave

New regulations implemented on April 13 have granted small employers in Poland—specifically those with up to 20 employees—the authority to independently request inspections of specific sick leave certificates. Previously, these smaller businesses had to rely on the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) to handle suspected abuses.

Data from Conperio indicates a 42 percent increase in sick leave inspections among small and medium-sized enterprises in the period between April 13 and July 31 compared to the first quarter of the year. The inspections have proven effective at identifying irregularities, with 36 percent of checked cases revealing abuses, such as employees working for pay while on leave, taking recreational trips, or performing home renovations during their recovery period.

Despite these new tools, many micro and small business owners remain unaware of their rights. This lack of awareness is particularly impactful for small teams, where a single unexpected absence can disrupt organizational workflows, delay orders, or lead to lost revenue.