The aim of the project is to assess whether organisations can maintain productivity and quality of services with fewer working hours, for example by implementing a four-day working week. As part of the project, employers will be able to obtain funding of up to PLN 1 million (up to PLN 20,000 per employee).

The electronic submission of applications will be possible from 14 August 2025 to 15 September 2025.

An application may be submitted by an employer who:

1. has been operating for at least 12 months prior to the date of submitting the application;
2. employs at least 75% of staff on the basis of an employment contract, appointment, election, nomination, or cooperative employment contract;
3. includes at least 50% of employees in the shortened working time project;
4. maintains employment at a level not lower than 90% of the initial headcount specified in the application;
5. maintains the salaries of employees participating in the project at no less than the level applicable on the start date of the project, for its entire duration;
6. does not worsen the working or pay conditions of employees covered by the project.

The application should include:

1. an application for funding from the Labour Fund reserves to finance the project;
2. a pilot project plan, including its description, purpose, justification, assumptions, expected outcomes and indicators;
3. declarations, including:
   a) the systematic and timely completion of surveys,
   b) no arrears in payments to employees,
   c) no tax arrears or outstanding social security contributions,
   d) no arrears in other public levies,
   e) no overdue civil law liabilities,
   f) cooperation with the labour office.

Submission of the documents does not guarantee qualification for the project or receipt of funds.

By 15 October 2025, a list of employers qualified for the project will be published. The project implementation will begin upon signing the agreement and will be divided into three stages:

1. Preparation for implementing the shortened working time – ending 31 December 2025;
2. Testing the shortened working time – from 1 January to 31 December 2026;
3. Project summary – to be completed by 15 May 2027 at the latest.

Find more articles in PRO HR July 2025.