Social Workers’ Day in Poland Date in the current year: November 21, 2024

Social work is a profession concerning itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to enhance overall well-being and social functioning. Although the act of responding to social needs has existed for centuries, social work as a profession and academic discipline began to take shape in the 20th century.

The social care system in modern Poland began to develop in the late 1980s. On November 21, 1989, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jacek Kuroń and a number of social workers and activists participated in a meeting that would result in the adoption of the Act on Social Assistance in 1990.

Among other things, the new law officially established Social Workers’ Day, which makes it a holiday declared by statute. Despite its official status, Social Workers’ Day is not a non-working day. On the occasion of the holiday, local authorities reward distinguished social workers for their hard work and dedication. The Minister of Labor and Social Policy presents state awards for outstanding achievements and innovation in the field of social work.