Nearly two-thirds of Russian IT professionals, about 65 percent, have no plans to take a break during the long New Year weekend. This finding comes from a survey conducted among users of the GeekBrains educational platform, with a copy of the results shared with editors at socialbites.ca. The study sheds light on how a significant portion of tech workers in Russia approach downtime and learning during a festive season that traditionally invites rest and celebration.
Among those who will not be taking time off, 40 percent say they intend to dedicate the period to online education, while 25 percent prefer to use the time quietly to tackle work issues. Only 18 percent plan to reserve the entire span for personal relaxation. This pattern highlights a strong inclination toward continued skill development and professional focus even when a major holiday is near, reflecting a culture that values continuous learning and productivity in the tech sector.
The survey also reveals that almost half, 47 percent, of IT professionals experience a workload spike as the New Year approaches. A tenth (11 percent) can avoid this surge thanks to automation that handles routine tasks, and 12 percent manage it through careful planning. Conversely, 53 percent of respondents see the pre-holiday workload as a regular part of the annual cycle, used to ensure that critical tasks are completed before the holiday lull. Only 17 percent believe that work problems should be evenly distributed throughout the year, suggesting a preference for concentrated bursts of activity before holidays rather than a steady, year-round distribution.
Traditions within companies play a meaningful role in keeping morale high during the busy period. About 65 percent of IT professionals have a positive view of these customs because they create a festive mood, offer a welcome distraction, and provide opportunities for colleagues to connect. A minority, around 10 percent, find these practices highly annoying, but the broader sentiment leans toward appreciation for the social and cultural benefits these rituals bring to the workplace during a high-pressure time.
Gift exchanges among colleagues are also common, with nearly half (48 percent) reporting that giving and receiving gifts is a customary practice in their teams. Among those who participate, 46 percent plan to spend no more than 1,000 rubles, 30 percent are comfortable with a range of 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, and a small segment, 6 percent, are prepared to spend between 5,000 and 10,000 rubles. The data illustrate a spectrum of gift-giving norms, from modest tokens to more generous selections, reflecting different budgets and relationships within professional networks.
In sum, the New Year period for Russian IT professionals appears to be a blend of ongoing learning, disciplined productivity, and social traditions that support team cohesion. The preference to use the festive season for skill-building or focused problem solving alongside collective rituals and thoughtful gifting suggests a workplace culture where there is value placed on both personal development and strong collegial ties. As the industry continues to evolve, these patterns may influence how tech teams in other regions approach holiday planning, workload management, and employee engagement, offering insights that could be relevant to similar markets seeking to balance productivity with well-being during peak times.
Note: This summary reflects survey insights from the GeekBrains platform and mirrors broader trends observed in technology sectors around the world, where continuous learning and team culture often complement traditional holiday breaks.