A resounding 93% of Polish office workers support the introduction of reduced working hours, according to a June 2025 survey by job platforms RocketJobs.pl and JustJoin.it. The primary motivations include more time with family and loved ones (62.3%), space for hobbies and personal passions (48.3%), and rest and recovery (47.4%). More than half of respondents believe such a change would benefit not just employees but also their companies. Skeptics, however, worry they may still end up working the same hours or that reduced time may make it harder to complete tasks.
Broad Support for Shorter Workweeks
The survey, conducted in response to a pilot program announced by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, reveals overwhelming support for a shift in work culture. Only 7.2% of respondents oppose reducing working hours.
When asked about their preferred format, most respondents (64.3%) favored a four-day workweek, followed by shorter workdays (less than 8 hours) at 26%. Just 9.7% opted for more vacation days.
Work-Life Balance a Priority
Polish workers view shorter hours as an opportunity to improve quality of life.
- 62.3% want more time for family.
- 48.3% seek time for hobbies and passions.
- 47.4% want better rest and recovery.
- 37.7% dream of more travel.
- 32% hope for regular sports activity.
Notably, 31.9% would use the extra time to study and upskill, suggesting reduced hours could boost long-term employee productivity.
These figures reflect a growing need to slow down and rebalance work and life. Other recent studies show that 41% of workers feel emotionally overwhelmed at work, and 77% experience job-related stress at least occasionally — alarming statistics that reinforce how current work models may no longer suit modern employee needs.
“Given the increasing pressure and professional demands, this level of support for reduced working hours — over 90% — is no surprise. It feels like a natural reaction,” said Ewelina Kaszuba, PR Manager at RocketJobs.pl and JustJoin.it.
Between Optimism and Practicality
While most employees see the shift as beneficial for business — 54.1% expect a positive impact on their company, 28.8% see no impact, and only 8.5% fear negative consequences — concerns remain.
Among the 7.2% who oppose shorter hours:
- 41.4% fear they’ll work the same amount in less time.
- 27.6% worry about completing tasks on time.
- 25.9% expect financial or operational harm to their employer.
- 21% prefer their professional environment over time at home, showing how work remains a vital social space for some.
Extra Time as a Catalyst for Career Change
Interestingly, 38.4% of employees said they would use extra free time to look for a new job.
- 21.4% are motivated by the search for better pay.
- 16.5% are looking for better working conditions.
- 10.5% believe additional time would allow for more thoughtful job hunting.
“While employee well-being is a valid priority, implementing reduced hours poses major organizational and financial challenges for businesses. It requires careful planning, broad consultation, and time for adaptation,” said Paulina Świątkiewicz, HR Business Partner at RocketJobs.pl and JustJoin.it.
She added that 38% of employees using the extra time to job-hunt could increase turnover and hiring costs. However, she also sees this moment as a potential accelerator for technological advancement, as AI adoption may help offset productivity gaps.
Government Pilot Program: A Turning Point
The survey results come just as Poland launches Central and Eastern Europe’s first pilot program for a shortened workweek. The initiative offers up to PLN 1 million in funding per project, with a maximum of PLN 20,000 per employee. Applications open from August 14 to September 15, 2025, and projects must meet several criteria. Details are available at:
https://www.gov.pl/web/rodzina/skrocony-czas-pracy–to-sie-dzieje-pracodawco-dowiedz-sie-wiecej-o-pilotazu
Approved projects will be announced by October 15.
Survey methodology: Conducted by ASM Research in late June 2025 using the CAWI method on a sample of 801 office workers from Poland’s largest cities.
Source: CEO.com.pl – Polish Workers Overwhelmingly Support Shorter Workweeks — But Not Without Reservations
