08.07.2026
Employment seniority – new rules guide | KWKR
Employment seniority under new rules – practical guide by KWKR experts
The recent amendments to the Polish Labour Code have significantly reshaped how employment seniority is calculated. The 2025 reform introduces a broader approach to recognising professional experience.
To address these changes, a practical guide titled “Employment seniority under the new rules” was prepared for “Rzeczpospolita” by Katarzyna Kanik (attorney-at-law and Senior Associate).
A broader approach to seniority
Traditionally, employment seniority in Poland was closely linked to employment contracts. The new regulations expand this concept to include a wider range of professional activities.
These may now include:
- running a business,
- working under civil law contracts,
- working abroad outside a standard employment relationship.
This shift is particularly relevant for individuals with diversified career paths.
Practical implications
The reform has direct consequences for employment-related entitlements, including:
- longer annual leave,
- extended notice periods,
- access to additional benefits, such as severance or long-service awards.
For employers, the changes require revising HR processes, including verifying seniority records and adapting payroll and HR systems.
A practical guide for implementation
The guide prepared by KWKR experts provides a structured and practical overview of the new framework.
It covers:
- eligibility criteria for counting periods,
- documentation requirements,
- key deadlines and procedures,
- examples and document templates.
It is designed as a resource for both employees and HR teams navigating the implementation of the new rules.
👉 Read more: Employment seniority under the new rules
