Lyubov Filin, Head of Evidence-Based Regulatory Practice Department at the Gaidar Institute, commented for Forbes on the transition of large companies to a four-day working week in Russia. The expert emphasized that this decision is driven by economic factors and is a way to optimize costs amid declining demand and high key rates.
“It is irrational for companies to lay off employees now: the labor market is overheated, there is a shortage of qualified specialists, and demand for them remains high and is growing. It is difficult and expensive to get back the people you lose,” said Lyubov Filin.
According to the expert, switching to a four-day week, cutting bonuses, switching to part-time work, or furloughing employees allows companies to reduce costs while retaining valuable staff and skills in case demand recovers.
"At the same time, the authorities are seeing an increase in part-time employment. It is important to emphasize that the growth in part-time employment and the development of flexible employment arrangements are not signs of a deterioration in the labor market. On the contrary, with unemployment remaining low, this can be seen as a positive indicator, especially in the context of a difficult economic situation and a shortage of personnel," the expert added.