Regional Specifics of the Long-Term Development of the Russian Labor Market

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify long-term trends in the Russian labor market and analyze the changes resulting from the emergence of new factors in the external environment as a result of the pandemic, as well as to develop economic policy tools to stabilize the labor market in Russian regions and overcome the negative long-term trends in it. Methodology. The study is built using the method of theoretical analysis as well as the method of comparison. The method of economic analysis is used to study the indicators of the state of the labor market in the regions in 2010–2020, and the graphical method is used to visualize the results. The method of systematization and systematic approach allow for the formation of recommendations for public administration authorities to ensure a balanced development of the labor market. Results. The study revealed the growth of regional labor market tension indicators in 2010–2019, as well as the aggravation of their dynamics in the pandemic year 2020. It was determined that the level of hidden unemployment decreased during the pandemic. We have revealed that the possibilities of online employment partially compensated for the relief of tension in the Russian labor market for the population of the regions of the country. The authors substantiated the expediency of implementing economic, organizational, and institutional measures of public policy to stabilize the situation in the labor market in the regions of Russia and to overcome the emerging contradictions. The results obtained can serve as a methodological basis for the development of regional programs to support employment and prevent unemployment.