The average duration of working life in Russia — about 33 years

The average duration of working life in Russia — about 33 years

Scientists from the Higher school of Economics have published new data on time of stay of Russians in the labour market. Turns out they work far less than Europeans and Americans, especially due to the high mortality rate of working age.

The duration of working life refers to the time of human presence on the labour market — from first job to retirement, or until death. A new study by economists Elena Varshavskaya and Mikhail Denisenko from the Higher school of Economics shows that on this indicator Russia lags behind many countries in Europe and North America, and especially great is the gap in men.

Scientists have studied the dynamics of the average duration of working life since the middle of last century to the present day.

Although over the past 15 years this figure has increased, it still remains relatively low: in 2015 in men was 33.8 years, women — 32.1 years.

The length of life of Russian men are still the shortest of all studied countries in Europe and North America, and 11.4 years less than in the leaders on this indicator Japan. The researchers explain the situation of high mortality of Russians of working age, especially among the male population.

Russian women are no longer the last place — fewer of them are working women in Italy, Poland, Hungary and Ireland.

Scientists also have calculated an indicator such as the duration of active working life for people over 50 years.

It turned out that the Russian situation is unique. In many countries, a short stay in the labour market of elderly is due to their long-term economic inactivity, that is, they work long at that age, and then a long time living in retirement. In Russia, however, both periods — and the employment and economically inactive — short. According to the researchers, this is due to the short life expectancy after age 50. The Russians after the departure from the labor market is home to about 12.7 years, whereas, for example, French — 21.7 years.

The authors on the basis of their data, provide recommendations to increase the retirement age for Russians: grow it can only after the life expectancy.

Comments

comments