The study revealed a sharp increase in staff cuts

The consulting company Get experts presented the results of an annual labor market study, according to which the share of employers who have reduced the number of employees has increased 2.5 times in two years — from 10% in 2023 to 25% in 2025. The survey data was reviewed on January 19 by Izvestia.

According to the company, 43% of companies reported an increase in staff. In most cases, the increase in the number of employees ranged from 11% to 20%, as indicated by 63% of employers who expanded staff. Another 14% recorded an increase of 21-30%, and in 7% of companies the number increased by 31-40%.

Employers cite an increase in production volumes as the main reasons for the expansion of staff — 92% of respondents noted this factor, the opening of new business lines — 79%, a change in the organizational structure — 61%, as well as an increase in market share — 56%. 19% of the survey participants indicated increased competition within the industry or region. For comparison, 39% of companies spoke about an increase in the number of employees in 2024, and 52% in 2023.

Staff cuts in 2025 affected a quarter of employers. More than half of them — 51% — had a decrease in the number of employees by 11-20%, and 18% — by 21-30%. The main reason for the cuts was financial difficulties, which 66% of respondents indicated. Other factors include a change in the organizational structure — 37%, difficulties in finding new employees or replacing current ones — 22%, a shortage of qualified specialists — 17%, as well as a decrease in sales or the sale of part of the business — 13%.

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In addition, another 30% of companies reported maintaining staff numbers, and 2% said they would freeze hiring throughout the year.

The staff turnover rate in 2025 remained unchanged in 42% of companies. At the same time, 32% of employers recorded an increase in turnover, and 25% — its decrease. In most cases, turnover was active: in 52% of companies, employees themselves made the decision to leave. Passive turnover — layoffs and layoffs initiated by the employer — was noted by 20% of respondents, another 28% had both types.

Employers named narrow—profile specialists as the most deficient categories of staff — 65%, blue—collar workers - 43%, and middle-level managers - 28%. The most difficult thing, according to companies, is to find and retain professional workers, IT specialists, and sales and commerce professionals.

55% of employers have encountered a new phenomenon for the Russian market — personnel hosting. Most often, candidates disappeared after a successful interview or at the stage of receiving an offer.

Almost half of the companies — 49% — are already using re-hiring programs for former employees, but in most cases the return rate does not exceed 5%. Also, 64% of employers hire employees of the "silver" age — 55 years and older, while most of them do not record negative changes in the internal climate of companies.

The practice of HR raiding is used by 50% of employers, mainly to attract specialists in sales, commerce, IT and management. 35% of companies have announced plans to increase hiring in 2026, while 7% expect a reduction. Employers predict a continuing shortage of staff, primarily among narrow-profile specialists and working professions, and sales, IT and manufacturing will remain the key areas of hiring next year.

Ekaterina Stenyakina, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans' Affairs, said on December 13 that if an employer delays payments, an employee may suspend work. To do this, it is necessary to notify the authorities by drawing up a written notice in two copies, on which you need to get the signature of the head.

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