Poland to Increase Night Shift Pay from February 2026.

Higher Pay for Night Work in Poland

According to Novyny.live: Starting in February 2026, employers in Poland will be required to pay an increased rate to employees who work night shifts. This change is a direct result of a rise in the national minimum wage, which will consequently increase the value of the night shift supplement. This move aligns Poland with broader European trends of enhancing worker protections for non-standard hours.

According to Article 151(8) of the Polish Labor Code, the night shift supplement will be set at 20% of the employee's hourly rate. Night work is legally defined as any work performed between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM. With the minimum wage set to be 4,806 PLN gross as of January 2026, the hourly night supplement will amount to 6.01 PLN gross per hour from February 2026 onwards.

Benefits and Restrictions

Employees who work exclusively on night shifts could see their monthly pay increase by up to 1,000 PLN gross. This significant boost may improve the financial situation for those who work during these hours, often in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

However, it is important to note that certain groups are restricted from working night shifts to protect their well-being. These protected categories include:

• Pregnant women,
• Minors,
• Parents of children under 8 years old without written consent,
• Individuals with disabilities without a doctor's permission.

These limitations are designed to safeguard vulnerable members of the workforce.

This reform underscores the Polish government's efforts to improve working conditions, particularly for those on night schedules.

The introduction of higher night shift pay reflects a governmental push to enhance labor standards and provide greater social protection for employees working under demanding conditions.

This policy is also expected to impact the labor market, as employers may need to adjust their practices to attract and retain skilled workers for night shifts.