Poland (PL)

Rules: From day 1 of illness: employee must notify employer (same day if possible). An L4 (zwolnienie lekarskie — sick leave certificate) from a doctor is required. Electronic L4 (e-ZLA) is sent directly to ZUS and employer — no paper needed. First 33 days/year: employer pays at 80% (100% if illness related to pregnancy or work accident). From day 34: ZUS pays zasiłek chorobowy at 80% of salary basis.

Doctor note: Day 1 (L4 required from first day of absence, even if doctor seen later that day)

Employer pay: 80% of salary base (100% for pregnancy-related illness). First 33 days/year paid by employer.

Long-term: Zasiłek chorobowy paid by ZUS for up to 182 days (270 days for pregnancy). After: świadczenie rehabilitacyjne (rehabilitation benefit) for up to 12 months. Longer illness: renta z tytułu niezdolności do pracy (disability pension).

Max hours: 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week standard. Maximum 48 hours per week including overtime (average over a 4-month reference period). Maximum 150 hours overtime per year (or as agreed in collective agreement — up to 416 hours).

Min rest: 11 hours daily rest, 35 hours weekly rest (including Sunday where possible). At least one Sunday free per 4-week period.

Overtime: Overtime (nadgodziny) compensated by either: time off (1.5x hours) or payment at 150% for first 2 hours, 200% on Sundays/holidays. Overtime for managers may not be separately compensated by some contracts — check.