In 2025 the Russian labor market is unlikely to settle into a quiet rhythm. Economic volatility persists, digital tools spread deeper into everyday operations, and companies continue trimming operating costs. Together these forces tend to heighten competition for jobs and raise the risk of rounds of layoffs across several sectors. An HR professional from PROGRESS KG outlined the evolving risk landscape, noting that automation, digitization, and organizational reshaping are directing workforces toward more streamlined structures.
First on the list are call center operators and office managers. Automated assistants and chatbots now handle routine inquiries, routing, and scheduling with minimal human intervention. Firms are increasingly adopting voice-enabled systems and cloud-based chat platforms that operate around the clock, reducing the volume of work handled by people. The shift toward remote work and digital administration further decreases demand for on-site office managers, especially in organizations moving toward flatter structures and tighter cost controls.
Second comes transportation and logistics. Algorithms for planning, automatic routing, and integrated warehouse systems are reshaping these roles. Large companies deploy software that optimizes routes, inventories, and delivery windows, aiming to cut human error and speed operations. As a result, traditional logistics specialists find themselves competing with machine-guided processes and data-driven decisions.
Third, sales managers for mass goods face changes as consumer buying moves online and processes become automated. Marketplaces, automated pricing, and digital offers reduce the need for constant personal selling. While sales talent remains valuable, the emphasis shifts toward understanding data, optimizing digital channels, and delivering efficient customer experiences.
Fourth are middle management personnel. Crisis conditions and cost containment push firms to trim management layers. In many organizations, flatter structures mean more autonomy for teams and greater mobility for workers. Line managers take on more responsibility, while broader tiers of middle management shrink as companies streamline operations and empower frontline staff.
Fifth are employees in print publications and traditional media. Advertising budgets shrink as funds move online, and media houses respond by cutting staff and accelerating digital transformation. The 2025 landscape intensifies this trend as consumer habits pivot toward digital platforms, forcing organizations to optimize processes with automation and digitization while preserving reach and impact.
Finally, there are IT specialties that have shown resilience and are expected to be in steady demand in 2025. Fields such as software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud services, and automation engineering are increasingly embedded in core business functions, supporting the broader shift toward digital operations.