The results of the EY study – Remote Work in Polish Style – show that as many as 88% of companies that have implemented remote work have chosen the hybrid model. Of this group, as many as 77% precisely define the rules of office presence. Most frequently (46%), employees are obliged to the office for at least three days a week. Undoubtedly, local companies take procedural issues very seriously, as 89% implemented appropriate regulations in the form of a set of rules. In 84% of organizations, it was decided to pay a flat-rate, which in 88% of cases amounts between 50 and 100 zlotys. Companies consider such a value optimum because 83% do not plan any changes in this area.
Remote work is already a permanent part of many companies, regulated within the provisions of the Labor Code for almost a year. Polish organizations that have decided to introduce it, in the majority (88%), mainly opted for the hybrid model. In 77% of cases, those companies determine the rules of office presence for employees. The most often (46%) it requires at least 3 days in the office per week, slightly less often (43%) two days, whereas only 11% of companies indicated the option of one day.
Over the past years, remote work has become the norm for companies in Poland. However, as more and more epidemiological restrictions were lifted, business managers tried to find a golden mean between the advantages of remote and stationary work. The hybrid model has become that for most organizations. On one hand, it provides comfort for employees, many of whom can’t imagine a full week in the office anymore, and on the other hand, it allows for maintaining an appropriate level of direct interactions between team members – says Witold Widurek, Partner in the People Advisory Services team, EY Poland.
The study results leave no doubt that companies that decided on a hybrid model have taken the introduction of changes associated with the new Labor Code entries very seriously. As many as 89% of surveyed companies have prepared appropriate modifications in the form of remote work regulations. Only 2% of companies have not taken any action in this regard yet.
The changes in the Labor Code introduced on April 7th, 2023, have put an obligation on employers to cover expenses associated with carrying out remote work. It can take the form of equivalent or a flat-rate. As many as 84% of companies in Poland have chosen the latter option. Interestingly, the percentage of companies that chose equivalent (8%) is almost identical (7%) to those who do not make any payouts.
A vast majority (88%) of companies in Poland have determined the flat-rate between 50 and 100 zlotys. In only 2% of organizations, it exceeds the level of 500 zlotys. At this stage, companies recognize such a value as optimal, as 83% do not plan any changes in this area. However, companies must also remember to verify the correctness of the flat-rate calculation and professional valorization of its amount.
Methodology
“EY – Remote Work in Polish Style” studies were conducted using the CAWI method on a sample of over 300 representatives of medium and large businesses in Poland. In 70% of cases, the respondents represented organizations employing over 250 people.