The first work week of 2025 will be one of the shortest of the year for Russian workers, lasting just two days—January 9 and 10. This change is part of the government’s newly approved holiday and work schedule, which designates January 1 to 8 as official holidays to accommodate New Year celebrations. Afterward, employees will only have to work for those two days before enjoying their next weekend on January 11 and 12.
According to the Ministry of Labor, the adjustments made to this year’s holiday schedule aim to provide extended breaks for the workforce. This means Russians will benefit from more time off. The Russian government has made significant alterations to facilitate longer holidays, including shifting several weekends. For 2025, four extended three-day weekends are also set to take place at various intervals: April 28-30, May 5-7, June 9-11, and November 5-7.
The overall schedule was publicly announced via various government channels, reflecting the authorities’ intent to improve work-life balance for citizens. Newspapers reported, "The holidays will start on December 29 and last until January 8," which sets the tone for the upcoming year’s work culture. This means employees can expect to indulge and celebrate the New Year with fewer interruptions from work. The first working days of the year—January 9 and 10—fall on Thursday and Friday, contributing to another short work week after the long break.
Understanding labor-related adjustments is also key for workers. Each year, under the Russian Labor Code, if public holidays coincide with weekends, break days are shifted, and this year reflects such planning. The shift of the holiday on January 4 to May 2 and other similar moves has simplified the workload calendar, ensuring minimal disruption for employees.
“Only one Saturday out of the total will be working day as per the schedule for November,” reported by Роструд (Rosdud, Labor Inspectorate), emphasizing the limited number of working days amid numerous holidays. The government has aimed to create not just longer periods for leisure but also to harmonize typical work weeks to feature more consequential breaks, impacting workers' wellbeing.
This year, Russia has taken significant steps to transform the work calendar. An expected moderation of work is anticipated to alleviate the stresses faced by the public, particularly after the challenging conditions many faced throughout 2024. The Ministry of Labor confirmed the year would be more accommodating for workers, recovering from unforeseen societal pressures.
Societal recovery can significantly influence employment patterns and mental health. The transition from 2024 to 2025, when many reportedly turned to antidepressants, aligns with the government’s oversight of how worker schedules impact daily life. Having more time off is increasingly becoming important as work-life balance becomes more prominent throughout the country.
With 2025 marked for fewer work-related stressors, employees may find enhanced productivity levels due to the overall calculus of limited working days versus more substantial holiday stretches. This adjustment could very well facilitate healthier societal dynamics as Russian citizens adapt to structured routines throughout the forthcoming year.
Concluding the analysis, the newly organized holiday and work schedule set for 2025 portrays Russia’s commitment to improving workers' conditions. The government’s initiative emphasizes the importance of rest and recuperation, presenting the New Year as not merely the start of another work calendar, but as a significant moment to breathe, recover, and regroup for the opportunities the upcoming year holds.
