The Polish government’s pilot program proposes to reduce annual working hours by 20%—without cutting salaries. According to a survey by ClickMeeting, 43% of Poles believe such a change could boost productivity, and as many as 65% think it would increase job satisfaction. However, 29% worry it would lead to more responsibilities, and only 40% believe salaries would truly remain unchanged. Among alternative solutions supporting work-life balance, respondents point to hybrid work, online tools, and workation as desirable options.
Pilot Program Launch and Public Opinion
The Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy has announced preparations for a pilot program aimed at reducing working hours. The plan is to gradually cut time by 20% annually, with organizations in the pilot choosing a model that suits them best. Importantly, employees are to retain their full wages.
However, many Poles remain skeptical. Only 40% believe salaries would stay the same, while:
- 15% expect a pay cut for employees,
- 12% predict lower earnings for both employees and employers.
In terms of productivity:
- 43% think it could improve,
- 29% expect no change,
- 20% foresee a decline.
Job Satisfaction and Working Models
Interestingly, only 7% of respondents believe shorter working hours would decrease job satisfaction, while:
- 16% see no impact,
- A clear majority (65%) expect improvement.
When asked about alternative options if reduced hours were not possible:
- 54% would welcome hybrid work as a motivational boost,
- 18% believe it’s not sufficient,
- 28% are undecided.
Moreover, 66% believe tools supporting work-life balance or workation—the combination of travel and remote work—could enhance efficiency.
More Than Just Fewer Hours
According to Martyna Grzegorczyk, Marketing Manager at ClickMeeting:
“The idea of shorter working hours is an important step toward improving employee well-being and modernizing the labor market. But when it’s not feasible, other tools—like hybrid work, online meetings, or secure platforms such as ClickMeeting—can improve daily work experience significantly.”
Grzegorczyk also emphasized the growing popularity of digital tools and productivity apps that enhance both comfort and efficiency. She urges companies to view employee well-being not as an extra benefit, but as a core part of their management strategy.
Overwork and Task Load Still a Concern
Only 12% of respondents believe fewer working hours would reduce their workload. In contrast:
- 29% expect more responsibilities,
- 53% predict it would stay the same.
At the same time:
- 27% of Poles feel overworked,
- 63% say their workload is adequate,
- 10% actually want more challenges.
Work-Life Balance? Far From Ideal
- Just 28% of participants say they currently maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Another 27% feel burned out.
- 38% say their balance is usually okay, though some periods are more difficult.
The findings suggest that while shorter working hours are a popular idea, concerns about task volume, compensation, and feasibility remain significant. Nevertheless, hybrid models, technological support, and flexible work formats are gaining traction as viable paths to improve well-being and modernize the labor market.
Source: ManagerPlus.pl – What Do Poles Think About a 20% Reduction in Working Hours?
