The expert stated the risks of hidden unemployment with the growth of underemployment in the Russian Federation

An increase in the number of part-time employees may indicate hidden unemployment and structural changes in the labor market. Maria Agapova, HR manager of the service for automating work with freelancers at Solar Staff, told Izvestia on February 21, commenting on the FinExpertiza data.

According to analysts, in the third quarter of 2025, the number of partially employed Russians increased by 12% year-on—year and reached 5.5 million people - about one in six employees. At the same time, companies began to use part-time transfer on their own initiative eight times more often.

"When a company reduces working hours, but formally retains an employee on staff, this is a way to reduce wages without official layoffs. For statistics, this is employment, but in fact a person does not receive income and may look for additional sources of income," the expert explained.

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She stressed that in conditions of economic turbulence, a shortened schedule can also act as a compromise measure. This format allows businesses to maintain a talent pool and recover faster when the situation improves. However, the widespread use of the tool at the initiative of employers may indicate a decrease in the sustainability of individual industries.

The reduction in employment affects the income of employees and the amount of insurance contributions. In the long term, this affects pension rights, since the amount of future payments depends on official earnings and insurance experience.

At the same time, there is a growing interest in alternative employment formats. According to Agapova, specialists who have been transferred to a shorter week are increasingly taking on project tasks or arranging freelance cooperation, diversifying their sources of income.

"We see that companies are increasingly combining staff and freelance specialists, and employees are combining their main employment with project work. A model is being formed where flexibility is becoming the norm. It is important that this flexibility is accompanied by transparent design and digital tools that protect the interests of both sides," the expert concluded.

Career consultant with "Profi.<url>" Vladislav Taushankov said on February 17 that traditionally labor market activity grows in spring and autumn, but it is February that gives a strategic advantage. According to him, it is necessary to act systematically: send up to 30 relevant responses daily, write 5-8 letters directly to employers and make several calls to HR specialists, and it is better not to limit yourself to one platform.

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