The expert stated about the growing shortage of key skills in the labor market

The shortage of professional skills is becoming one of the key factors determining the development of the labor market in the coming years. This trend is confirmed by global forecasts: digitalization, the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation are changing the requirements for specialists faster than the market has time to adapt to them. Maria Agapova, HR manager of the service for automating work with freelancers at Solar Staff, told Izvestia on January 27.

According to her, the shortage of skills directly related to technological development is most acute today. Companies are looking for specialists capable of working with data, digital platforms, automated systems and AI tools, as well as those with analytical thinking and high adaptability. At the same time, a significant part of the workforce was formed in other technological conditions.

"Businesses need people who can work in a hybrid environment — at the intersection of technology, processes and creative tasks. There are objectively fewer such specialists on the market than there are requests for them," the expert said.

In the Russian context, there is a particularly noticeable shortage of competencies in IT development, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing and product management, as well as in professions related to the automation of accounting, HR and legal processes. These areas are actively developing due to import substitution, the growth of internal digital platforms and the introduction of AI solutions. As a result, the demand for specialized high-tech skills is growing faster than the education and corporate training systems can reproduce them.

At the same time, a personnel shortage is also being formed outside the technology sector, Agapova added. For example, additional pressure on the labor market is expected in medicine due to restrictions on distance learning of medical specialists from March 1, 2026. This may slow down staff training and lead to a temporary shortage of doctors and mid-level staff. In this case, we are talking not so much about a lack of skills, but rather about a lack of specialists in specific positions.

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There is also a growing need for industry competencies in applied areas such as logistics, supply chains, industrial production and infrastructure. Such skills are difficult to develop quickly, as they require a combination of digital tools and a deep understanding of the specifics of the industry. Additionally, businesses are increasingly in need of experts who are able to work with government support measures — to issue grants, subsidies and support interaction with regulators, which is becoming critically important in a changing economic environment.

Against this background, companies are increasingly moving towards a project-based employment model. Instead of a long search for rare specialists, the business employs external experts and freelancers for specific tasks.

"Project employment allows you to close the skills gap here and now — to connect the right specialist for the period of AI implementation, analytics settings or digital transformation without long—term personnel risks," the expert explained.

For the specialists themselves, the lack of skills opens up new opportunities. Those who invest in learning and mastering digital tools gain access to higher-paying and more diverse projects. The market increasingly rewards not formal seniority, but applied competencies and the ability to solve specific business problems.

According to Agapova, in the coming years, it is the ability to quickly update and combine skills that will become the main factor in career sustainability. For companies, this means the need for flexible models of attracting expertise, and for specialists, constant investments in professional development. The skills shortage, she stressed, is no longer a temporary problem and is turning into a new logic of the labor market.

Last August, Russians were told about the "red flags" of office etiquette. Ignoring personal space was in the first place (39%). Employees complain about the habit of some colleagues approaching the table without warning, touching other people's things, or sitting too close. Such actions are perceived as a violation of boundaries and cause tension. This is followed by noise and excessive discussion of personal topics (35%).

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