A large share of Russian companies face persistent staffing gaps. This pattern, reported by RBC with data from the SuperJob portal, reveals a clear strain in the labor market across the country.
According to the survey findings, vacancies in the Russian Federation grew by more than 1.5 times in 2023, rising by 57 percent. In contrast, the total number of resumes declined by about 2 percent, signaling a tighter job market and more difficulties for employers seeking qualified candidates. The most in-demand roles included truck drivers, manual laborers, skilled tradespeople, and engineers, highlighting shortages across both blue-collar and technical fields.
“About 85 percent of companies participating in the SuperJob survey reported staff shortages,” the publication noted, underscoring a widespread challenge across sectors and regions.
Another notable trend from the data is the aging of the applicant pool. In 2023, the average age of job seekers rose by two to three years. For instance, the typical equipment adjuster moved from age 43 to 46, the average mechanic from 44 to 46, and electricians from 42 to 45. This aging dynamic has implications for replacement needs, training pipelines, and the evolution of requirements for technical roles.
The survey attracted input from about 1,000 HR managers and other human resources specialists, drawn from 224 cities across Russia. This broad participation helps illuminate regional variations and the overall pulse of hiring across the country.
In related remarks, Ekaterina Tselikova, formerly head of the education department in the Vologda region, commented on broader regional shortages impacting the education sector, signaling that shortages can touch even fields traditionally protected by higher public investment. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the skill mix available to employers and the readiness of the workforce to meet evolving demand.
Public officials and industry observers have urged cautious interpretation of these early indicators, especially as the economy adjusts to changing global dynamics. While the numbers reveal notable gaps, they also point to opportunities for policy makers and firms to intensify training, apprenticeship programs, and targeted recruitment strategies. The overall message is clear: worker shortages are real, but proactive talent development and more adaptable hiring practices can help bridge the gap and support growth across industry sectors.