A recent study conducted by Rabota.ru and Podrabotka, with results reviewed by socialbites.ca, reveals how Russians allocate their personal time after work and sleep. The data show that close to one in five adults, about 18 percent, report having only 1 to 2 hours daily for personal matters. This highlights a significant squeeze on personal time even after the workday ends.
Further findings indicate that 39 percent of respondents typically have 3 to 4 hours free for personal life, while 28 percent manage 5 to 6 hours. A smaller share, 9 percent, enjoy 7 to 10 hours of personal time, and 3 percent find themselves with 11 to 12 hours. A fortunate 3 percent of those surveyed report more than 12 hours of free time each day. These figures underscore a broad spectrum of how daily life is carved out beyond professional responsibilities.
On a city level, Moscow shows 23 percent of residents with 1 to 2 free hours daily, 33 percent with 3 to 4 hours, and 31 percent with 5 to 6 hours. Approximately 8 percent have 7 to 10 hours of personal time, 1 percent enjoy 11 to 12 hours, and 4 percent exceed 12 hours per day. The distribution reflects urban living patterns where work-life balance differs from other regions, yet personal time remains a valuable resource for many residents.
In St. Petersburg, 16 percent report 1 to 2 hours of free time, 44 percent have 3 to 4 hours, and 31 percent enjoy 5 to 6 hours. Nine percent of respondents allocate 7 to 10 hours to personal matters, 3 percent between 11 and 12 hours, and 4 percent exceed 12 hours daily. This pattern mirrors a city with a mix of intense work cycles and opportunities for leisure and personal pursuits.
Residents of Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region show 1 to 2 hours of personal time for 22 percent, 35 percent for 3 to 4 hours, and 30 percent for 5 to 6 hours. Nine percent report 7 to 10 hours, and 4 percent have more than 12 hours daily. The distribution suggests varying priorities and constraints across central Russia, with a consistent demand for private time alongside work commitments.
In Nizhny Novgorod and its surrounding area, 27 percent spend 1 to 2 hours on personal matters, 43 percent have 3 to 4 hours, and 27 percent enjoy 5 to 6 hours. Only 3 percent of respondents report 11 to 12 hours of free time each day, indicating a relatively compact window for personal activities in this region.
Novosibirsk and the surrounding region show 8 percent with 1 to 2 free hours, 29 percent with 3 to 4 hours, and 38 percent with 5 to 6 hours. A notable 13 percent enjoy 7 to 10 hours of personal time, 8 percent report 11 to 12 hours, and 4 percent have more than 12 hours. The regional mix emphasizes how different urban centers balance work demands with personal life.
The study also touches on broader implications for personal time management and well-being. While the majority navigate a blend of work obligations and leisure, the distribution of hours reveals clear gaps where people could benefit from more flexible schedules, supportive workplace policies, or time management strategies to reclaim evenings and weekends for personal interests and rest. Researchers note that personal time is a key component of mental health and life satisfaction, influencing daily energy, relationships, and long-term productivity. and Podrabotka, with review by socialbites.ca.
A separate piece of guidance has emerged from psychologists offering practical advice on time management. The discussions emphasize setting clear priorities, creating realistic daily plans, and safeguarding time blocks for self-care and activities that restore energy. While the data highlight regional and urban variations, the underlying message is universal: carving out meaningful personal time supports resilience, happiness, and sustainable performance in both work and life.