A Foreign Employer's Guide to Probationary Periods for Polish Employees

When your company starts to hire people in Poland, it’s important to understand the rules around probationary periods. These initial periods of employment have their own set of regulations under Polish Labour Law, and they might differ from what you are used to in your own country.

A probationary period in Poland is an initial assessment to see if a new employee is a good fit for the role and the company. It’s a distinct phase that usually comes before a longer-term employment contract. Often, a separate probationary contract is signed for this time.

There are limits to how long a probationary period can last. Generally, it cannot last more than three months for standard employment contracts. It’s important to stick to these time limits, as going over them is against the law.

The way you can end a probationary period is more straightforward than ending a fixed-term or indefinite contract. The notice periods are shorter and depend on how long the probationary period is:

• The notice period is three working days if the probationary period is not longer than two weeks.
• The notice period is one week if the probationary period is longer than two weeks but less than three months.

Once the probationary period ends and an employee moves to a longer contract, the rules for ending that contract become more detailed, with more extended notice periods.

Here are some good practices for foreign companies to keep in mind during probationary periods:

• Be Clear: Explain the terms and what you expect during the probationary period to new employees.
• Give Feedback: Provide regular feedback to help new team members settle in and address any issues early on.
• Have a Process: Establish a clear way to assess a new employee’s progress before the end of their probationary period.
• Follow the Law: It is vital to always follow the legal rules regarding the length and termination of a probationary period.

In short, remember that probationary periods in Poland have their specific regulations. While ending employment during this time is simpler, acting reasonably and without discrimination is still important. It’s always a good idea to get legal advice to ensure you follow all the rules correctly.