Hiring in hospitality in 2026: job ads, pay transparency and trial shifts

Good servers, bartenders and cooks can choose from many offers today. The offer that wins is specific: how much, when and on what terms. Since December 2025, some of this information has been mandatory.

What changed on December 24, 2025

Poland's amended Labor Code (Kodeks pracy) implements part of the EU Pay Transparency Directive. For hiring, this means that:

• candidates must be told the starting pay or its range in advance: in the job ad, before the interview or before the employment relationship begins;
• pay ranges should be based on objective, gender-neutral criteria;
• you can't ask candidates about their pay in their current or previous job;
• job titles must be gender-neutral, for example “server” or “bartender”.

These rules apply to employment under the Labor Code. If you hire people on civil-law contracts, check with a lawyer how these rules apply.

A job ad that attracts good people

• Job title: gender-neutral and specific, for example “bartender, weekend shifts”.
• Pay rate or range: ideally right in the ad, because candidates compare offers very quickly.
• Tips: whether and how they're shared within the team.
• Schedule: number of shifts, hours, weekends and how scheduling works.
• Contract: type and duration.
• What you offer beyond pay: staff meals, training, room for promotion, on-demand pay.

How to verify experience

Ask about previous jobs and references, ask for a skills demo (a cocktail, a table setting, a dish), and for cooks, look at photos of their dishes. On industry platforms, you can also see reviews from previous employers and how long candidates have worked in the industry.

No trial shift without a contract

A trial shift is work. Sign a contract with the candidate for that time, agree on the duties, hours and rate, and pay for the hours worked. Working without a contract is a risk for both sides.

The first three days

1. Day 1: the team, the menu, floor and safety rules, systems (POS, reservations).
2. Day 2: working in a pair with an experienced colleague.
3. Day 3: a solo shift with a mentor close at hand, and a short debrief at the end.

How to keep your people

A transparent staff schedule set in advance, pay on time, clear tip-sharing rules and a real career path. It's also worth considering on-demand pay.

This article is for information only and is not legal advice.