The Polish Labor Code provides for paid breaks. Here are the general rules and how they relate to organizing coffee breaks.
Under the Polish Labor Code, an employee whose daily working time is at least 6 hours is entitled to a break of at least 15 minutes, counted as working time. When daily working time exceeds 9 hours, an additional 15-minute break applies, and when it exceeds 16 hours, another one (Article 134 of the Labor Code). All these breaks count as working time. Check the details and exceptions in the current text of the Labor Code.
The paid break
The employee keeps their pay for this break. The employer can set its timing as part of work organization.
Additional breaks
The rules provide, among other things, for additional breaks when daily working time is longer, and breaks for certain groups of employees. The Labor Code and specific regulations set out the rules.
Breaks and access to coffee
A well-organized coffee area helps people use their break to rest. The vending machine guides (publisher's site) describe example setups.
FAQ
Can a coffee break be deducted from working time? Breaks under Article 134 of the Labor Code are not deducted – they count as working time. The employer may, however, introduce one break of up to 60 minutes that does not count as working time, for a meal or personal matters, but only in a collective agreement, work regulations, or the employment contract (Article 141).
Is this article legal advice? No. It is a general overview.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Regulations change – check the current rules or consult a lawyer before deciding.
Basis: Articles 134 and 141 of the Polish Labor Code (consolidated text Dz.U. 2026 item 1245).
Legal status: based on the regulations in force at the time of the last editorial review; this article is reviewed periodically.