0–12’
Opening and ground rules (12’)
Aim: safety and clear boundaries.
Facilitator: present the aim, outputs and rules (voluntary sharing, confidentiality, right to pause, kindness). Highlight: this is not legal advice.
Safety note: This is an educational workshop, not legal advice. Laws and regulations change. Always verify up-to-date information in official sources or with a qualified specialist. In exercises we use anonymous / fictional examples.
Aim and logic
- Overall aim: participants understand the most common contract types in Poland, can read key clauses in a contract and a payslip, know basic OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) principles and workplace culture norms, and know where/how to report problems (inside the company and externally).
- Logic: experience (contract bingo) → organise knowledge (comparison table) → apply (reading a contract and payslip) → safety (OHS and rights) → communication and support pathways.
Final outputs
- Handout U1 — Contracts: key features and differences (table)
- Handout U2 — Contract & payslip review (checklist)
- Handout U3 — OHS: first 24 hours (checklist)
- Handout U4 — Issue reporting pathway (internal/external)
- Handout U5 — Message templates (HR/supervisor/inspectorate)
- Handout U6 — Mini dictionary PL–UA–EN (20 workplace terms)
- Rubric U‑R — Skills assessment (0–2 points/criterion, max 10)
- Extras: „Contract bingo” game cards + sample (fictional) contract and payslip excerpts for practice
2. Learning outcomes
Knowledge
- distinguishes an employment contract, mandate contract, contract for specific work and B2B (self-employment) at a basic feature level;
- knows key elements of a contract and payslip (e.g., gross/net, contributions, rate, working time, leave/sick pay, notice period);
- knows employer and employee duties related to OHS, training and medical examinations.
Attitudes
- responsibility, safety, proactivity, intercultural respect.
2. Learning outcomes
Skills
- identifies 5 key clauses in a contract and formulates questions about them;
- reads a payslip and can explain “where net pay comes from”;
- prepares polite but firm emails/conversations about workplace matters;
- knows support pathways (HR/supervisor, unions/NGOs, public institutions).
Organisational parameters
- Room: U-shape + 4 tables; flipchart + markers; projector; timer.
- Printable materials (A4, 1/person): U1–U6, Rubric U‑R; set of anonymous excerpts of contracts and payslips (sample, fictional).
- Evaluation tools: Mentimeter PRE/POST (scale 1–5): questions in section 4.
Mentimeter questions (PRE and POST)
- “I can read basic contract clauses and I know what to ask about.”
- “I understand payslip elements (gross/net/contributions).”
- “I know 3 OHS rules and 2 support options for workplace issues.”
Agenda
12–22’
Icebreaker “When I started working…” (10’)
Aim: gather experiences.
Instructions: everyone writes one thing they wish they had known before their first day; group into 3 categories: contract, money, OHS/culture.
22–30’
Mentimeter PRE (8’)
Aim: baseline and realistic expectations.
30–65’
MODULE 1 — Contract bingo: “What contract is it?” (35’)
Module aim: understand differences between contract types.
Materials: Handout U1 (comparison table) + feature cards (one set per table).
Steps:
1) Each table draws 10 feature cards and places them into the right columns: Employment / Mandate / Specific work / B2B.
2) Justify each choice with one sentence.
Debrief: facilitator reviews columns and prompts differences.
Success criteria: each table correctly justifies at least 7/10 cards.
65–75’
Micro‑summary and “differences board” (10’)
Aim: consolidate on one flipchart: “When which contract?”.
Tip: stress that rules and practices vary—always ask for details in writing.
75–85’
BREAK (10’)
85–115’
MODULE 2 — Reading a contract and a payslip (30’)
Module aim: get comfortable with document structure and questioning.
Materials: Handout U2 (checklist) + anonymous excerpts of contracts (2 versions: employment / mandate) + payslips (fictional).
Instructions:
Contract — find 10 items: Parties; Role/scope; Workplace; Working time/hours records; Pay (hourly/monthly); Term & start date (probation/fixed/indefinite); Leave/sick pay (if and how); Notice period; Confidentiality/GDPR/NDA; Legal basis.
Payslip: contributions (pension, disability, sickness—if applicable; health), tax advance, costs/reliefs (if any), net pay.
Mini dialogues: write 2 questions to HR about missing/unclear clauses.
Success criteria: participant finds at least 8/10 contract items and names main payslip parts.
115–125’
Energizer “OHS stand‑up” (10’)
Aim: reset attention.
Prompt: in 60 seconds describe the safest workplace setup you have seen—add a touch of humour.
125–155’
MODULE 3 — OHS and workplace culture: your safety (30’)
Module aim: know your rights and duties regarding OHS and the first days of work.
Materials: Handout U3 (first 24 hours checklist); workstation pictures (optional).
Steps:
1) First 24 hours: fill U3 with what should happen (OHS training, onboarding, medical exams—if required, PPE, breaks, incident procedure).
2) Hazard spotting (10’): identify 5 hazards and propose prevention measures.
3) Right to refuse unsafe work in case of immediate danger—roleplay a short conversation + note it in U4.
Success criteria: U3 completed; group identifies min. 5 hazards and 5 measures.
155–170’
MODULE 4 — Communication & support: reporting pathway (15’)
Aim: know how and where to report a problem while keeping evidence and respectful tone.
Materials: Handout U4 (pathway), Handout U5 (email templates).
Steps:
Step 1: talk to supervisor (clear description, request, deadline).
Step 2: HR/payroll (email summary of the conversation).
Step 3: external support (union/NGO/labour inspectorate).
Evidence: dated notes, photos, copies of messages.
Success criteria: everyone completes U4 and drafts one email template for their situation.
170–178’
Mentimeter POST + one small step (8’)
Aim: measure learning and decide next action.
Instructions: repeat the 3 questions; Small step: what will you check/do within 7 days (e.g., ask for a copy of the contract, request OHS instructions in PL/UA/EN, clarify a payslip item).
178–180’
Closing (2’)
What happens: photo of flipcharts, reminder: ask in writing and keep copies.
6. Facilitation good practices
- Simple language and icons: explain terms; avoid jargon.
- Neutrality and safety: don’t “diagnose” disputes—teach tools and pathways.
- Anonymisation: examples without company/person data.
- Bridge to earlier scenarios: I‑statements (Scenario 03), fact‑checking & responsible sharing (Scenario 04) in the workplace context.
7. Adaptations, plan B, variants
- Language barrier: Handout U6 (mini dictionary), bigger icons; mixed-language pairs; allow keyword answers.
- Less time (120’): M1 25’, M2 20’, M3 20’, M4 10’; leave U5 as homework.
- More time (+30’): 1:1 consults (reading a contract/payslip) + segment on feedback culture in Polish workplaces.
8. Evaluation and indicators
- Mentimeter PRE/POST — 3 questions (section 4).
- Outputs: U1–U6 + completed checklists and email drafts.
- Trainer observation: Rubric U‑R for at least 3 people (quality of document analysis).
- Attendance & consents: attendance list, consent for photos of outputs (no sensitive data).
All elements are editable and ready to print. Every downloaded file includes the funding label (in the content and in the print footer).
HANDOUT U1 — Contracts: key features and differences (table)
Task: mark ✓/✗/“depends” and add one question you will ask before signing.
| Feature | Employment contract | Mandate contract | Specific work contract | B2B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid leave | ||||
| Insurance contributions | ||||
| Working time / hours records | ||||
| Overtime and settlement | ||||
| Notice period | ||||
| OHS training and medical examinations | ||||
| Minimum hourly rate | ||||
| Responsibility: result vs due care | ||||
| Who decides on workplace and working hours | ||||
| Invoice and taxes | ||||
| Other clauses (e.g., NDA/GDPR) |
HANDOUT U2 — Contract & payslip review (checklist)
Contract — 10 items to find
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Parties to the contract | |
| Role / scope of duties | |
| Workplace | |
| Working time / hours records | |
| Pay (hourly/monthly rate) | |
| Contract term and start date (probation/fixed/indefinite) | |
| Leave / sick pay (if and how) | |
| Notice period | |
| Confidentiality / GDPR / NDA | |
| Legal basis |
Payslip — what adds up to net pay
| Element | Where on the payslip? / Notes |
|---|---|
| Contributions (pension, disability, sickness—if applicable; health) | |
| Tax advance | |
| Income costs / reliefs (if any) | |
| Net pay |
HANDOUT U3 — OHS: first 24 hours (checklist)
Tick what happened on your Day 1 / what should happen.
Hazard spotting (bonus)
List 5 hazards you notice at work and 5 prevention measures.
| Hazard | Prevention measure |
|---|---|
HANDOUT U4 — Issue reporting pathway
Step 1: supervisor (talk + note) → Step 2: HR/payroll (email summary) → Step 3: external support (union/NGO/inspectorate) → Step 4: next steps based on feedback.
| Date / time | Who I talked to | What was agreed | Response deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
HANDOUT U5 — Message templates (HR/supervisor/institution)
Tip: keep it factual, include dates, and ask for a written response.
HANDOUT U6 — Mini dictionary PL–UA–EN (20 workplace terms)
| PL | UA | EN |
|---|---|---|
| umowa | договір | contract |
| zlecenie | договір доручення | mandate contract |
| dzieło | договір підряду | contract for specific work |
| wynagrodzenie | заробітна плата | salary / remuneration |
| stawka godzinowa | погодинна ставка | hourly rate |
| pasek płacowy | розрахунковий лист | payslip |
| składki | внески | contributions |
| zaliczka podatkowa | податковий аванс | tax advance |
| urlop | відпустка | leave / vacation |
| chorobowe | лікарняні | sick leave pay |
| okres wypowiedzenia | строк повідомлення | notice period |
| szkolenie BHP | інструктаж з охорони праці | OHS training |
| badania lekarskie | медичний огляд | medical examination |
| ŚOI (PPE) | засоби індивідуального захисту | personal protective equipment |
| nadgodziny | понаднормові години | overtime |
| grafik | графік | schedule |
| timesheet / ewidencja | табель обліку часу | timesheet / time records |
| przełożony | керівник | supervisor |
| HR / kadry | відділ кадрів / HR | HR / payroll |
| inspekcja pracy | інспекція праці | labour inspectorate |
RUBRIC U‑R — Skills assessment (0–2 points/criterion, max 10)
| Criterion | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contract analysis (min. 8/10 items) | ||
| Payslip basics (identify elements) | ||
| OHS (first 24h checklist) | ||
| Communication (email/reporting pathway) | ||
| Evidence-minded and clear language |
Interpretation: 0–3 starting point; 4–7 solid; 8–10 practical readiness.
GAME CARDS — “Contract bingo” (contract features)
Print and cut. Per table: draw 10 cards and match to U1 columns. Justify each choice in one sentence.
Paid leave (yes/no/depends)
Sick pay (eligible?)
Insurance contributions (scope)
Working time / hours records
Minimum hourly rate (applies/doesn’t apply)
Overtime (how is it settled?)
Notice period (yes/no, length)
OHS training (yes/no)
Medical examinations (yes/no)
Who decides the workplace
Who decides working hours
Responsibility: result vs due care
Invoice and taxes (B2B)
Supervision (who gives instructions)
Work tools (who provides?)
Material liability (if any)
Non-compete clause (if any)
Confidentiality / NDA
GDPR / personal data processing
Breaks and rest rules
Business trips / delegations
Remote work rules (if applicable)
Bonuses / allowances (if any)
Pay: gross vs net (how written?)
SAMPLE EXCERPTS FOR PRACTICE — contracts & payslip (fictional)
Practice materials for Module 2. No sensitive data; suitable for highlighting with markers.
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