Days off work in August - Summer break planning

August 15th is one of the key days in the summer calendar – it combines Polish Armed Forces Day and the Assumption of Mary. For millions of Poles, this means not only state and religious celebrations, but above all a chance for a long weekend. Is August 15th a statutory day off work? What about August 14th – do we also have that day off? Find out what the Labour Code says about this and how to plan your August vacation!

Is August 15th a day off work?

Is August 14th a day off work?

August 15th in the Labour Code – Saturday, Sunday and working day

Shops, offices and services on August 14 & 15 – what you should know?

Summary

FAQ – August 15 & 14 days off work

Is August 15th a day off work?

Yes, August 15th is a statutory day off work in Poland under the Act of January 18, 1951 on days off work. On this day, two important celebrations overlap: state (Polish Armed Forces Day) and religious (Assumption of Mary, also known as the Feast of the Assumption).

Key facts about August 15th:

✔️It is a day off for employees on an employment contract
✔️A statutory ban on commerce applies in most shops on this day
✔️Offices, banks and schools are closed
✔️Payment for this day is due in full

✨ Tip

If August 15th falls on a weekday (e.g. Tuesday or Thursday), by taking just one day of vacation leave, you can get up to 4 days of continuous rest!

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Is August 14th a day off work?

Unlike August 15th, August 14th is NOT a statutory day off work. It is a standard working day. Many employees mistakenly assume that the day before a holiday is free or has shorter working hours.

1. Standard working hours

On August 14th, employees work according to their normal schedule. The Labour Code does not provide for automatic reduction of working hours on days before holidays.

2. On-demand or vacation leave

To get time off on August 14th (e.g. to extend the weekend), you must submit a request for vacation leave or use on-demand leave. Your employer must approve this.

3. Exception: Day off granted by the employer

A company may independently decide to give employees time off on August 14th (e.g. as compensation for a holiday falling on a Saturday or as an additional benefit from the company).

4. Shortened hours in some companies

Although the law does not require it, some employers set shorter internal working hours on August 14th as a nice gesture to the team before the long weekend.

August 15th in the Labour Code – rules depending on day of week

Calendar Layout	Legal Rules (Labour Code)	What Does This Mean for the Employee?
August 15th on a working day (Mon-Fri)	The day is automatically off work Reduces working hours for the month by 8 hours Salary remains unchanged	You have the day off without needing to use vacation.
August 15th on a Saturday	Under Art. 130 § 2 of the Labour Code, a holiday on Saturday reduces working hours The employer MUST reduce working hours and designate another day off The day off must be granted in the same accounting period	You receive an additional day off to be used within a specified deadline (e.g. August 14th!).
August 15th on a Sunday	A holiday falling on a Sunday does not reduce working hours The employer has no obligation to give another day off	No additional day off to claim.

Shops, offices and services on August 14 & 15 – what you should know?

⚠️ What is closed or limited on August 15 (Holiday):

❌ Large supermarkets and shopping centres – statutory ban on commerce applies
❌ Public administration offices and post offices – you won't be able to handle official matters
❌ Banks and financial institutions – transfers are not processed on statutory days off
❌ Clinics and doctor's offices – only hospital duty and emergency care operate

✓ What operates normally on August 14 & 15:

Everything operates normally on August 14 – shops, offices and banks are open as on any working day
Gas stations (August 15) – open 24/7
Small local shops (August 15) – if the owner is at the counter
Restaurants, cafes, tourist facilities (August 15) – open for customers
Public transport and railways (August 15) – operates on holiday schedule

Summary

August 15th is a statutory day off work, while August 14th is a regular working day. When planning your time in August, it's worth checking the calendar layout for that year.

Key points to remember:

✅ August 15th is a day off by law (Armed Forces Day and Assumption of Mary)
✅ If August 15th falls on a Saturday, your employer must give you another day off
✅ August 14th is a regular working day – requires taking vacation for a long weekend
✅ Most shops are closed on August 15th due to the commerce ban
❌ If August 15th falls on a Sunday, no additional day off is owed to you

Planning a long weekend around August 15th is a great way to recover in the middle of summer. Remember to submit a vacation request in advance for August 14th if you want to enjoy an uninterrupted rest!

FAQ – August 15 & 14 days off work

1. Is August 15th always a day off work?

Yes, August 15th is a statutory day off work regardless of what day of the week it falls on.

2. Do you work shorter hours on August 14th?

No, the Labour Code does not provide for shorter working hours on August 14th. Work is performed according to normal hours, unless the employer sets something different in internal rules.

3. What if August 15th falls on a Saturday?

Under Art. 130 § 2 of the Labour Code, the employer is obliged to grant the employee another day off in the same accounting period.

4. What if August 15th falls on a Sunday?

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the employee is not entitled to an additional day off.

5. Is additional compensation due for working on August 15th?

People who must work on August 15th (e.g. in services, food service or continuous operations) should receive another day off in the given accounting period or a 100% salary increase for each hour worked.

6. Are shops open on August 15th?

Most shops and supermarkets are closed due to the commerce ban. Only gas stations, on-duty pharmacies and small shops where the owner is at the counter may be open.

7. Does a contract work include paid time off on August 15th?

People working on contract work are not covered by the Labour Code provisions on days off. Pay depends on the contract terms – usually you are paid for hours worked.

8. How to make a long weekend in August?

If August 15th falls on, for example, a Tuesday, just take leave on Monday (August 14th) to get 4 consecutive days off (Saturday-Tuesday).

9. Do you have to take on-demand leave on August 14th?

You can take regular vacation leave (planned in advance) or on-demand leave. However, it's worth planning in advance, as many employees request time off during the summer season at the same time.

10. Do banks and transfers operate on August 15th?

Bank offices are closed and the ELIXIR settlement system does not operate. Standard transfers sent on August 15th will only be processed on the next working day. Only instant transfers (Express Elixir, BLIK) operate.

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