Creative Industries Face Talent Shortages and Competition in Russia

Strategic Insights -

Moscow-based small and medium-sized businesses in the creative sector are struggling to attract and retain talent, with 70-80% of enterprises in this field facing challenges due to a shortage of qualified personnel and competition from large corporations and public sector entities. A joint study between the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and the job search service SuperJob revealed the difficulties faced by creative sector businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Key Takeaways:

  • 74% of creative sector businesses operate with small teams of up to five people, making it difficult to compete with larger companies for talent.
  • Word of mouth and recommendations are the key recruiting channels, with over 80% of respondents willing to consider candidates without experience.
  • Entrepreneurs prioritize personal qualities, potential, and flexibility over formal qualifications when selecting candidates.
  • The most common recruiting challenges faced by entrepreneurs are a shortage of specialists with a suitable portfolio (57%), inflated salary expectations (52%), and competition from large companies (26%).
  • Difficulty retaining staff, seasonal demand, and a lack of soft skills among applicants were also cited as significant issues.
  • Full-time office work is the most common employment format, but many businesses are willing to offer hybrid arrangements, project-based work, and freelancing.
  • Flexible schedules, corporate events, holiday gifts, and discounts on company products are the most popular non-material benefits offered to employees.

Statistics:

  • 70-80% of creative sector enterprises are small and medium-sized businesses (Source: Russian Ministry of Economic Development).
  • 74% of creative sector businesses operate with small teams of up to five people (Source: SuperJob).
  • 80% of respondents are willing to consider candidates without experience (Source: SuperJob).
  • 57% of entrepreneurs cited a shortage of specialists with a suitable portfolio as a key recruiting challenge (Source: SuperJob).
  • 52% of respondents mentioned inflated salary expectations as a major issue (Source: SuperJob).

Sources:

  • Russian Ministry of Economic Development.
  • SuperJob (study conducted by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and SuperJob).
  • Tatyana Ilyushnikova, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia.
  • Amir Sarakov, Vice President of SuperJob.