A recent survey of Russian small business representatives shows that the majority increased their payrolls this year. Seventy-four percent of respondents reported higher salaries for workers, including larger bonuses, signaling a broader push to reward performance and retain talent across many sectors. The findings come from a joint study conducted by the Russian School of Management and the PlanFact financial accounting service, as reported by Izvestia.
In contrast, around one-sixth of those surveyed did not raise pay at all, while roughly 10 percent cut compensation in some form. These shifts reflect a divided landscape where some firms prioritize wage growth to attract and motivate staff, while others tighten costs in response to shifting economic conditions.
Experts noted that more than half of the companies linking rising expenses to higher wage levels, with nearly a quarter associating cost growth with expanding headcount. This pattern underscores a common strategy: use compensation as a lever for productivity and workforce expansion, even as organizations weigh the impact on overall profitability.
On the flip side, a portion of respondents indicated cost reductions related to staff reductions or pay adjustments. The data suggest a balance between growth-oriented pay policies and conservative financial management in response to market pressures and business needs.
National data released in the period under review show nominal wages growing by a notable margin, with real wages also rising meaningfully. The two measures together point to a modest improvement in living standards for workers, reflecting both headline wage hikes and actual purchasing power gains in the economy.
Industry analysis based on Avito.Rabota statistics indicates that the average monthly salary in the domestic market surpassed a significant threshold in the first quarter, marking a substantial year-over-year increase. The rise in average pay signals ongoing momentum in the labor market, driven by sector-specific demand, recruitment activity, and wage competition among employers seeking to attract skilled staff. [Source attribution: Izvestia citing the Russian School of Management and PlanFact; additional figures from Avito.Rabota statistics, as reported by Kommersant]”}