The expert warned of tougher competition in the labor market in 2026

In 2026, competition in the labor market will intensify, and the key factor in job retention will not be the number of hours worked, but efficiency and the ability to manage your time. This was announced on February 2 by Vladislav Bykhanov, Managing partner of Cornerstone HR company.

"For example, if you are able to create more "details" in a short period of time than your colleagues, it means that you are more efficient, and you are unlikely to be reduced. While those who spend their days and nights at the workplace, but do not bring tangible results, risk being left out and being cut even with apparent efficiency and contribution to overall success," the expert explained in an interview with Gazeta.Ru».

According to Bykhanov, research shows that about 85% of employees are exhausted from a senseless race, which leads to a drop in productivity and an increase in the number of mistakes. At the same time, employees who manage their time and resources wisely become more valuable to employers and retain their jobs even in conditions of economic instability.

The expert noted that in addition to professional skills, soft skills — the ability to work in a team, adapt to changes, and develop emotional intelligence - will be of particular importance in 2026.

Bykhanov also drew attention to the importance of proper organization of the workflow. According to him, employees who create the appearance of employment, but constantly break deadlines, are more likely to be laid off. In addition, he gave recommendations on how to emphasize his effectiveness in the interview. In his opinion, it is important for a candidate to correctly formulate his approach to work and focus on performance, not on the number of hours.

The expert concluded that in a changing labor market, workaholism without efficiency ceases to be an advantage.

Ekaterina Kalmykova, the chief lawyer of 5offer, said on February 1 that an employee who was dismissed for reasons unrelated to his professional qualities or work responsibilities has the right to go to court about this. It was clarified that an employer who initiated dismissal for non-working issues most often violates the law. In order to identify a potential illegal act committed by the company, the dismissed employee must answer the question "Who is the initiator of the dismissal?", since this party, as the lawyer clarified, is responsible for making the decision.

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