As Russians return to work following a lengthy holiday period, they face a mixed bag of financial and scheduling adjustments for May 2025. The month brings a unique set of circumstances, including reduced advance payments and a series of public holidays that could affect their take-home pay.
Starting from May 5, 2025, many employees are back at their desks after enjoying a break from May 1 to May 4 for the first part of the May holidays. However, this week is also shortened, with workdays extending only until May 7, before the next holiday break kicks in from May 8 to May 11, coinciding with the celebration of Victory Day. This arrangement has been made possible by a shift of the holiday from February 23 to May 8, allowing for a longer weekend.
As the State Duma Committee on Labor's head, Yaroslav Nilov, noted, “May 8 is not a holiday, but a normal weekend, therefore, on May 7 we will work as usual, this is a normal working day.” This means employees will not enjoy a shortened workday on May 7, a common practice before holidays.
In May, there are a total of 31 days, broken down into 18 working days and 13 non-working days. Among these, nine are standard weekends, with the holidays falling on the 8th to 11th. It’s important to note that regional authorities can establish additional holidays beyond those set at the federal level, potentially expanding the time off for some workers.
One significant change this month is the reduction in advance salary payments for employees. Due to the early salary transfers necessitated by the holidays, the amount of advance payments in May is expected to be about half of what it normally would be. This is particularly relevant for those whose last salary payment was made on April 18, as their next payment will not occur until after May 5.
According to experts, if employees worked during the holidays, they could expect to receive additional payments, particularly those in sectors that operate continuously, such as healthcare and emergency services. Workers in these fields are eligible for double pay for their holiday shifts, meaning they could see a significant boost in their earnings.
Financial consultants recommend that employees take a proactive approach to their budgeting during this period. They suggest setting aside a reserve of 10-15% of their current salary to cover necessary expenses during the holiday season and the days leading up to the next full salary payment. With the advance payments being lower than usual, careful financial planning is essential to avoid difficulties.
The average modal salary in Russia is around 25,000 rubles, which provides a clearer picture of typical earnings compared to official statistics. For May, one working day is valued at approximately 1,136 rubles, while those who worked during the holidays can expect to earn 2,273 rubles per day due to the double pay policy for holiday work. For instance, if an employee worked from May 1 to May 9, they could anticipate receiving around 9,000 rubles in additional payments.
As the month progresses, employees have the option to take vacation days during the days between weekends from May 5 to May 7. Alternatively, they could opt for a vacation starting from May 12, which would allow them to combine their holiday days with non-working days for a longer break. However, taking vacation in May may not yield the best financial outcome due to the limited number of working days.
Looking ahead, Russians can look forward to another extended break in June, with holidays planned from June 12 to June 15 for the Day of Russia. The working day on June 11 will be shortened, providing another opportunity for a long weekend.
In summary, May 2025 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for Russian workers. With a careful approach to budgeting and an understanding of the holiday schedule, employees can navigate this busy month effectively. As always, the key will be to stay informed and plan ahead to make the most of the time off while managing financial expectations.
