The majority of Russians who seek guidance from psychologists on work and career matters are women, accounting for about eight in ten consults. This finding comes from a study conducted by the corporate welfare platform I Understand and reviewed for accuracy by Socialbites.ca. The data suggests a persistent pattern where women turn to professional support more often than men when navigating professional life and its demands. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)
Analysts note that women tend to focus on achieving a healthier balance between work and family, managing burnout more effectively, and addressing perceived gender-based disparities within teams. Interestingly, women are less likely to report impostor feelings or a lack of confidence in their own abilities, a nuance that points to differing internal experiences between genders in the workplace. This distinction underlines the importance of targeted coaching approaches that validate accomplishments while offering practical strategies for advancement. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)
In contrast, male respondents highlighted communication challenges as a central concern. They frequently cited issues related to workplace dynamics, including perceived dominance by others and real or perceived obstacles to career progression. These patterns suggest that men may benefit from coaching that emphasizes collaborative communication, leadership presence, and pathways to mentorship or sponsorship within their organizations. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)
Looking at the broader picture for Russians in 2023, requests to psychologists for work-related purposes overwhelmingly centered on boundaries and communication. These boundary-setting needs represented about a quarter of all inquiries. Additionally, interest in achieving a healthier work-life balance increased markedly compared with the previous year, nearly doubling in volume, signaling a growing priority among professionals trying to reconcile personal and work responsibilities in an evolving work environment. Other frequent topics included adapting to new workplaces and improving client interactions, suggesting that early-stage onboarding and client-facing skills remain critical areas for support. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)
On salary expectations, analyses indicate a gender gap, with women noting an average figure that is noticeably lower by about 23 thousand rubles. Such findings highlight financial confidence gaps and the potential impact of negotiation training, compensation transparency, and career planning resources on perceived value and earnings potential for women in the workforce. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)
Historically, Russia has seen fluctuations in the length of the working day, with periods where the average workday reached elevated levels not experienced in nearly two decades. This context matters because longer days can influence stress, burnout, and the overall effectiveness of workplace interventions. Understanding these trends helps explain why many professionals seek guidance from psychologists: to develop sustainable routines, set realistic goals, and cultivate resilience in demanding job markets. (Citation: I Understand study via Socialbites.ca)