(2025-2027) More efficient WOAK – pilot project for reduced working hours

Fot. Julia Marszewska

The Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń (WOAK) is participating in a pilot program for reduced working hours, initiated by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy as part of the project “Reduced working hours – it’s happening!” The aim is to verify in practice organizational solutions that have increased work efficiency in European countries. Poland has one of the longest working weeks in Europe, which has a negative impact on health and work-life balance. International experience confirms that reducing working hours promotes productivity, creativity, and employee well-being.

The pilot program is preparing for the possible implementation of reduced working hours at the national level. After an internal analysis of opportunities, challenges, and scientific research, WOAK submitted an application and was selected from among 90 entities (public and private). A grant of PLN 264,580 was obtained from the Labor Fund reserves at the disposal of the Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy for the implementation of the project.

Implementation of changes:

From January 1, 2026, WOAK will introduce a 35-hour working week, followed by a 32-hour working week from July 1, 2026, without reducing salaries or the scope of activities. The center will ensure the full implementation of projects, events, and workshops by optimizing the organization of work.

Allocation of funds

The grant finances:

  1. Workload analysis: surveys, data processing, and DISC tool.
  2. Evaluation: Monitoring from initial diagnosis to final report with recommendations.
  3. Training: Soft and hard skills, including time management, task delegation, and digital and AI tools.
  4. Organizational tools: Time monitoring systems, project management software, cloud storage, and AI.
  5. Coaching: Individual sessions for employees and regular sessions for management.

The project promotes an organizational culture based on efficiency and sustainable development. Progress will be published on the WOAK website.

The project “More efficient WOAK – pilot program for reduced working hours” is financed from the Labor Fund reserves at the disposal of the Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy. Amount of funding: PLN 264,580.

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