Media: Russian women shorten maternity leave amid fears of job loss

A growing number of Russian women are cutting short their maternity leave, citing concerns over job security and career continuity.

Many new mothers are opting out of the traditional three-year leave, with some returning to work just one to two months after giving birth. Most are choosing full-time roles rather than remote or hybrid arrangements, while retaining childcare benefits until their child turns 1.5 years old, as employers are legally required to continue payments, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian Telegram channel Baza.

“Even with indexation, childcare benefits provide only minimal support for many women, rather than fully replacing a salary,” said HR expert Alexandra Koroleva.

Data shows that last year approximately 55% of women—around one in every two Russian mothers—returned to work early or skipped maternity leave altogether.

Koroleva highlighted the driving factors behind this trend. “One of the main reasons is career-related. The fast-moving labor market, particularly in IT, digital, and sales sectors, doesn’t allow women to be absent for long. Another factor is value-driven: modern young mothers, especially in major cities, do not want to see themselves only as homemakers. They prioritize self-realization and social interaction.”

Early return is most common among women aged 20–26, often due to economic necessity and a lack of stable career standing. Women aged 32–40 also return quickly to preserve professional expertise and positions, ensuring they remain active and competitive in their fields.

By Vafa Guliyeva