Russian companies have become less likely to look for replacements for employees who quit

Russian companies have become less likely to look for new employees to replace those who quit. This was reported on March 23 by the newspaper Vedomosti with reference to a study of the SuperJob service.

According to a survey of recruitment specialists conducted in February–March, employers are increasingly redistributing the responsibilities of retired employees among existing employees or automating some of the processes instead of opening new vacancies.

In the first quarter of 2026, the number of vacancies decreased by 20% compared to the same period last year, the newspaper added.Ru». The largest declines were recorded in retail, IT and telecommunications, the extractive industry, as well as in transport and logistics.

At the same time, the number of resumes continues to grow: it has increased by 34% in a year, and by 70% in two years.

Experts expect a further slowdown in hiring. Companies are reducing inefficient positions and abandoning projects that have not justified the costs.

According to experts, the business optimizes costs against the background of high interest rates and restrained investment activity, reviewing the structure and number of staff. In these circumstances, employers tend to limit costs, including through the payroll.

It is also emphasized that the effect of hiring employees is delayed, since it takes several months for a new employee to become fully productive.

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State Duma deputy Alexander Tolmachev told Izvestia on March 23 that companies' refusal to hire new employees to replace those who left could lead to an increase in staff workload, lower productivity and slower economic development. According to him, the lack of an influx of new specialists deprives businesses of fresh knowledge and skills.

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