Workers at Poland's Children's Ombudsman office allege mobbing, overwork; parliament demands answers

Investigation reveals pattern of strain

When Łukasz Korzeniowski, a lawyer recruited personally by Ombudsman Monika Horna-Cieślak, sued the State Treasury for mobbing, journalists began contacting other employees. Their findings, published on 11 June, draw on accounts from nearly 20 current and former staff members of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children (BRPD). The interviewees describe chronic fatigue, panic attacks, and erosion of private life. More than half were hired by Horna-Cieślak herself.

It was not easy for me to tell, because talking about mistreatment at work that happens to us is never easy. I decided, however, that it had to be done.

Fear, monitoring and health breakdowns

Employees told TVN24 they lived in constant fear of dismissal and of failing children relying on their cases. Several provided medical records showing psychiatric treatment and sick leaves. Reporters observed hand tremors and tearful breakdowns during interviews. Korzeniowski said he was assigned 179 active cases after four months and 247 after six months, alongside unpaid duties such as cleaning event halls. Workers claimed that a colleague of the ombudsman listened at doors during private conversations.

Systemic overhaul and soaring caseloads

In summer 2024, Horna-Cieślak introduced a rule that every case closure required her personal approval. Staff members say the change created a bottleneck, forcing them to compile extra internal documentation. Meanwhile, annual case intake reportedly climbed from 40,000 under her predecessor to nearly 78,000 in her second year. Workers report sending and receiving work emails at night, on weekends and on holidays.

Legal and political consequences

Korzeniowski’s lawsuit is not the only legal challenge. At least two other employees have taken the office to labour court, and the State Labour Inspection is examining conditions. On the day of the TVN24 publication, opposition MP Monika Rosa announced that the parliamentary committees for social policy and children’s affairs would hold a joint hearing to demand explanations from the ombudsman.

Ombudsman’s defence

Asked about the allegations, Horna-Cieślak stated that the office was in a poor state when she arrived and that her reforms were meant to improve reliability. She pointed to a positive audit by the Supreme Audit Office. She maintained that labour rights are respected and that staff receive bonuses for overtime.

Working for children in difficult situations is not a job for everyone.

The ombudsman also disclosed that an internal anti-mobbing procedure is underway against Korzeniowski, stemming from an incident in September 2025. She said she was unaware of his lawsuit.