Russian lawmakers have given approval for reduced working hours for certain citizens.
In the Russian landscape, the idea of a reduced workweek, specifically a four-day workweek, has stirred up quite the commotion.
Not too long ago, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, floated the idea of testing this concept in specific regions or businesses. He envisioned trimming work hours gradually – an hour, two, or even three – before rolling it out nationwide. Numerous countries are currently embracing this trend, making it an intriguing proposition.
However, public opinion seems divided on this matter. As per a survey, an equal 39% of Russians both support and oppose the concept. The naysayers believe that such changes could slow down economic growth and negatively impact the well-being of citizens. The remaining 22% remain undecided.
Looking back at history, a notable example of a four-day workweek experiment surfaced at Rostselmash, a Russian agricultural machinery powerhouse, in March 2025. From the get-go, things didn't exactly go as planned. With the export market crashing and demand plummeting (combine harvester sales diving by an unnerving 76%), the company had no choice but to lay off 2,000 workers and eventually furlough all its 15,000 employees.
The brief four-day workweek at RostselmashMarker was just a fleeting attempt that didn't manage to address the deeper financial issues.Broader economic headwinds in Russia’s agricultural sector, such as pricey loans, high export duties, and escalating input costs, have made a sustainable four-day workweek difficult to achieve.
Even beyond Russia's borders, doubts persist about the feasibility of a universal four-day workweek due to challenges in balancing flexibility, productivity, and team dynamics.
To sum it up, while a brief trial of a four-day workweek surfaced in Russia, prevailing economic challenges, uncertainties, and skepticism dampen the prospects of a widespread implementation of shorter workweeks across the country.
The society is divided regarding the implementation of a four-day workweek, with 39% expressing both support and opposition to the policy-and-legislation change. Critics argue that reducing work hours could impede economic growth and negatively affect the general-news welfare of citizens. A past attempt at implementing a four-day workweek at Rostselmash, a Russian agricultural company, was a failed experiment due to broader economic challenges and uncertainties.
