Portfolio instead of a bet: how poly-employment has become a trend in the Russian labor market

In 2026, the Russian labor market ceased to be linear. More and more people are combining two or more jobs, forming their own "portfolio" of projects and sources of income. Self-employment has turned from a forced measure into a steady trend that changes the rules of the game for both employees and employers. Izvestia investigated why Russians massively choose additional employment and what it will lead to.

From part-time work to the system: what is happening in the market

Interest in additional employment increased dramatically in 2025. According to a nationwide survey hh.ru During the pre-holiday period, almost half of Russians (49%) planned to look for a part-time job. Against the background of constantly growing expenses, people need additional sources of income.

According to the B1 study, the share of citizens who reduced spontaneous purchases and increased savings increased from 49% in the spring of 2025 to 54% in the fall. Under these conditions, poly—employment is gaining momentum - a model in which a person simultaneously works in two or more positions or cooperates with different companies.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev

However, financial necessity is only one side of the process. The second is related to generational changes. Representatives of the Z and alpha generations have actively entered the labor market, who look at their careers differently. For them, "one job for life" is an outdated model. Young professionals strive to accumulate competencies, learn new skills and participate in different projects in parallel.

There are two types of motivation: forced and conscious

HR expert, founder and head of the HR outsourcing agency ALL HR Svetlana Perkova notes that in 2026, underemployment has become a systemic phenomenon. According to her, the number of new user registrations on job search platforms has increased by almost 75% over the past year, and the number of companies willing to hire people for short shifts has increased by a quarter.

— If five years ago, the combination was perceived as a forced measure or a sign of disloyalty, today being employed is becoming the norm for Russian citizens. Ignoring the trend towards a portfolio career costs businesses millions of rubles in turnover," she told Izvestia.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko

The expert explained that two types of motivation are clearly visible today. The first one is generational. Young professionals aged 18-24 consider the combination as a tool for professional navigation. They try different roles and form a portfolio of competencies. The second one is adaptive. People aged 35-50 are more likely to seek additional employment due to fear of losing income.

— Inflation and the desire to create a safety cushion push them to look for part-time work in the evening or on weekends. And this is a completely different portrait of a part—time employee," Perkova explained.

Cadres don't decide: demand for high-tech specialists has dropped

Employers began to adapt existing employees to the tasks, rather than looking for new ones.

The law on the platform economy and the new rules of the game

One of the key events of 2026 was the entry into force of the law on the platform economy on October 1. Previously, work with the self-employed and temporary staff was in a "gray zone", now the state introduces clear rules of regulation.

— By the end of the year, the register of bona fide digital platforms will be launched. We are obliged to ensure transparency of ratings, and employees will have the right to challenge unfair ratings," the expert noted.

Photo: IZVESTIA/pa

According to her, this means that competition for high-quality temporary performers is becoming no less fierce than for full-time employees.

— If a driver or courier sees a biased low rating, they leave for another platform in five minutes. Retention requires HR to acquire new competencies and constantly analyze market rates," Perkova emphasized.

Advantages for the economy and risks for people

From a macroeconomic point of view, poly-employment increases market flexibility and productivity. Retail, logistics, and service industries are actively using platform solutions to cover seasonal and peak loads. However, a paradox arises for companies: flexibility is increasing, while loyalty is decreasing. Investing in temporary staff training becomes risky because an employee may leave for a competitor due to a higher rate.

For the employees themselves, self-employment also has a dual nature. On the one hand, multiple sources of income reduce the fear of job loss. On the other hand, the risk of chronic stress and burnout increases.

Photo: Global Look Press/Christin Klose

— The boundaries between work and personal life are blurring. It is especially difficult for those who have been forced to become employed. For them, multitasking becomes a factor of chronic fatigue," said Perkova.

Monetary bar: about half of Russians are not ready to lower their salary expectations

The position of applicants is affected by the shortage of personnel in the labor market

Which skills are becoming mandatory

The expert identifies the key competencies needed in the new reality: self-organization, digital literacy, the ability to work through platforms, and self-presentation skills. In addition, continuous learning becomes critically important.

In 2026, the business is gradually shifting from the "own an employee" model to the "attract talent" model. Companies create internal temporary staff bases, introduce gamification elements, and form an emotional bond instead of a formal one.

Being slick is no longer an exception. This is a new stage in the evolution of the labor market, where flexibility becomes an advantage, and sustainability becomes the personal responsibility of each employee.