The State Duma criticized the initiative on a possible transition to a six-day working week, pointing out the risks to social stability and the economy. Representatives of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy strongly opposed such a move.
According to them, an increase in the number of working days does not solve the systemic problems of the labor market and may lead to a deterioration in the condition of employees. This is not only about physical exertion, but also about the accumulated psychological pressure that a significant part of employed citizens are already facing.
The key argument was the topic of health and burnout. Representatives of the committee stressed that an attempt to compensate for the staff shortage by lengthening the working week is a wrong strategy.
"The argument that this will have no effect on health is not true. We already have people working a lot, and we have professional burnout and depression at work," said Yaroslav Nilov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Labor and Social Policy, commenting on the initiative.
According to him, the authorities recognize the existence of an objective need for human resources in the economy, but the problem is deeper. It is related to the inconsistency of the training system with the real requirements of employers, and not with the number of working days.
"Yes, the economy needs human resources. Yes, we have a certain desynchronization in the personnel training system compared to the requirements of employers," he noted.
Other mechanisms have already been proposed in Parliament as an alternative to the six-day period being discussed. In particular, a bill on flexible forms of employment has been submitted for consideration, providing for the possibility of overworking on a voluntary basis and taking into account the interests of employees.
"We have submitted to the State Duma a draft law on flexible forms of employment with the possibility of processing. But I think it's wrong and incorrect to introduce a six—day working week," Nilov stressed.
Experts note that this position reflects a broader trend in labor policy: the focus is shifting from an extensive increase in working hours to increased productivity, automation and adaptation of forms of employment. In conditions of demographic constraints and increasing staff workload, the social consequences may be more critical than the short-term economic effect.
