Increased Population of Russians with Ample Leisure: Identifying These Privileged Individuals and Tracing Their Origins

Increased Population of Russians with Ample Leisure: Identifying These Privileged Individuals and Tracing Their Origins

Kicking Back: The Unprecedented Spike in Free Time Among Russians

Good news for Russians - a record-breaking number have found themselves with ample time off work, reaching levels unseen since 2007. Interestingly, satisfaction with this newfound leisure time has soared, hitting an all-time high almost seven in ten citizens.

This may appear perplexing considering the current labor crisis and excessive work hours. But let's dig a little deeper - truth is, the finest secrets usually hide behind the broader statistics.

Bye-Bye Boss, Hello Free Time! So, Who Exactly is Relishing this Leisure?

While a staggering six out of ten Russians are grappling with work-life balance, it's crucial to understand who exactly makes up the 'lucky' ones. As per VCIOM reports, these individuals more often than not belong to either the elderly or the tech-savvy generation born after 2001 - the digital natives. Astonishingly, the older millennials and the middle-aged group tend to have the least spare time. The most time-crunched demographic? Unequivocally the 'junior millennials' born between 1992 and 2000.

• Interestingly, this vulnerable group shouldering a heavy workload and expressing dissatisfaction with their leisure time hovers at a high risk of burnout, according to VCIOM researchers.

The report also notes a striking observation: those with higher incomes have more free time at their disposal. In fact, a whopping 43% among the affluent individuals can enjoy their time off, whereas only 38% among the lower income group are privileged with such luxury. And when it comes to their satisfaction levels, the gap couldn't be broader – 81% among the wealthy are content, whereas just 44% among the lesser fortunate join the ranks.

Automation, expensive appliances, and the newfound freedom

Where some Russians found more time for relaxation, analysts trace it back to technological progress.

• Futurists envisioned a future where robots and automation would liberate us from work and household chores, allowing us the freedom to focus on self-development. The Russians report they've managed to buy some more time through technological advancements, according to VCIOM.

Alas, not everybody can afford technological upgrades to streamline daily tasks. Naturally, this applies to those who can afford newer home appliances or hire cleaning services, rather than delighting in manually swabbing floors and vacuuming.

Nevertheless, freedom doesn't always translate to happiness. VCIOM analysts recognize two distinct groups: those who are free but unfulfilled and those who have little time but are content. The former is mainly a mix of junior millennials and the older generation, while the latter comprises young, satisfied individuals.

Out and About: Russians Leveraging Leisure Time

Russians, as per VCIOM data, have grown more active in their leisure activities. While a mere 50% reported stepping out during 2010, that number reached a significant 70% in 2025. Meeting friends and family remains the most popular pastime, but there's been a marked increase in those who've attended a theater, museum, or concert within the past month.

Satisfaction with leisure time, my friends, mirrors overall life satisfaction. The quality of free time is intimately connected to happiness as well as mental health and even longevity, comments Anna Zharikova from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).

Poll

Do you have free time?

Year | 2010 | 2025-----|--------|--------Yes | 36% | 41%No | 59% | 29%Don't know| 2% |1%

How satisfied are you with how you spend your free time?

Year | 2010 | 2025-----|--------|--------Very satisfied | 18% | 33%Somewhat satisfied | 42% | 36%Somewhat dissatisfied | 27% | 17%Very dissatisfied | 8% | 11%Don't know| 5% |3%

Were you able to go out in the evening or on weekends in the last month, and if so, where?

(Multiple answers were possible, % of respondents)

Year | 2010 | 2025-----|--------|--------To friends or family | 36% | 42%To cinema | 11% | 11%Theater | 4% | 11%Exhibition or museum | 2% | 8%Contemporary music concert | 2% | 7%Nightclub or disco | 7% | 4%Library | 3% | 4%Classical music concert | 1% | 4%Other* | 2% | 6%Didn't venture out | 43% | 28%Don't know | 1% | 1%

*Most popular "other" options include sports events, walks, cafes/restaurants.

(Based on VCIOM data)

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1. The study conducted by VCIOM reveals that the digital natives and the elderly are the individuals who are enjoying the increased free time among Russians.
2. Amidst the labor crisis and long work hours, it's eye-opening to note that older millennials and the middle-aged group have the least amount of free time.
3. The vulnerable group carrying a heavy workload and expressing dissatisfaction with their leisure time is at a high risk of burnout, as per VCIOM researchers.
4. The report highlights that those with higher incomes have more free time, with 43% among the affluent having more leisure time compared to 38% among the lower income group.
5. The wealthy are significantly more content with their leisure time, with 81% expressing satisfaction compared to just 44% among the less fortunate.
6. Technological advancements are credited with providing more free time for some Russians, as per VCIOM's report.
7. While not everyone can afford technological upgrades for a more comfortable lifestyle, those who can enjoy the benefits of automation and smart home appliances have more free time.
8. VCIOM analysts identified two distinct groups: those who are free but unfulfilled and those who have little time but are content.
9. Russians have become more active in their leisure activities, with 70% reportedly going out in 2025 compared to just 50% in 2010.
10. Meeting friends and family remains the most popular pastime, but there's been a significant increase in attending theater, museum, or concert events within the past month.
11. Anna Zharikova from VCIOM comments that the quality of free time is closely connected to happiness, mental health, and even lifespan.
12. Leisure time satisfaction mirrors overall life satisfaction, and the report also suggests a correlation between personal growth activities and free time.

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