2 days of child care – how much additional leave are parents currently entitled to?

In Poland, employees have the right to take extra days off to care for their children. According to current regulations, each parent can use up to 2 days of child care leave per calendar year. These are so-called "days on demand," which are available regardless of employment duration and can be used in cases of sudden need to care for a child up to the age of 14. This is an important solution that allows parents to respond flexibly when traditional forms of care fail or unforeseen circumstances require their presence with the child.

These days are additional support for parents and should not be confused with maternity or parental leave, which are intended for longer-term care of a newborn, or with carer’s leave. Child care days are part of flexible support forms for employees who balance work and family responsibilities. They are easier to use than other types of leave – it is enough to notify the employer of the need, preferably in advance, although regulations also allow for emergency situations.

How to use child care days at work – overview of entitlements for parents

In Poland, parents have the right to use child care days, which are a form of support for working caregivers. These days allow for absence from work to care for a child when necessary.

An employee who is a parent is entitled to additional days off for child care within a calendar year. These so-called "child care days" are available regardless of vacation leave. Their number is limited and depends on the number of children and their age.

Using child care days requires notifying the employer, preferably in advance. In case of emergencies, such as a child’s illness, it is necessary to inform the employer immediately.

If a parent needs to return to work while the child still requires care, it is possible to use hourly child care services. This flexible solution allows for continuing work responsibilities while ensuring care for the child.

Child care days are paid – the employee receives 80% of their salary for the time used. This is significant financial support for parents and allows for maintaining some income despite temporary absence from work.

Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with labor laws and company regulations to fully utilize their entitlements and benefits related to child care.

Child care days in 2023 – what rights do working parents have?

In Poland, working parents have the right to take days off for child care. In 2023, labor laws allow parents to use what is known as "child leave," which is intended for caring for a healthy child.

According to the current regulations, each parent is entitled to 2 days off per calendar year to care for a child up to the age of 14. These days are paid at 100% of the salary and cannot be carried over to the next year.

An employee can use child care days at any time, notifying the employer in advance. However, this requires agreement with the employer to avoid disrupting the company's operations.

In the case of families with at least four children, one parent is entitled to an additional day off. This extra support recognizes the exceptional needs of larger families.

An employer cannot refuse to grant child care days if they have been correctly requested by the employee. Failure by the employer to adhere to employee rights regarding child care leave may result in intervention by the State Labour Inspectorate.

Planning for unforeseen situations – how many child care days are parents entitled to?

Planning for unforeseen family situations is extremely important, especially when it comes to child care. In Poland, working parents have the right to additional days off for child care, provided for various unexpected situations.

According to current regulations, each parent employed under an employment contract can use additional leave intended for caring for a healthy child. This right extends until the child turns 14. The number of days of leave a parent can use within a calendar year is limited and depends on the number of children.

In cases where care is needed for a sick child, employees also have the option to use carer’s leave or sick leave. These days are granted to ensure the child receives care during illness and can be used without prior planning.

It is also important to note that the right to additional days off for child care is not the only form of support for parents. Employers often offer other forms of assistance, such as flexible working hours or remote work options, which help better balance work responsibilities with family needs.

It is essential to be aware of deadlines and conditions for using these entitlements and to notify the employer of the need for leave in a timely manner. Detailed information about the number of days and procedures for obtaining them can be found in the Labor Code and internal company regulations.

In Poland, working parents are entitled to take additional days off for child care. Each parent can use 2 days of child care leave per calendar year, which are paid at 100% of the salary. These days are available regardless of maternity leave and are accessible for parents of children up to the age of 14. This support allows parents to respond flexibly to their children's needs, such as in cases of sudden illness or other unforeseen situations requiring their presence at home.

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