Detailed instructions for organizing next year's getaway were shared by the professional.
In 2026, workers can look forward to a year with 116 non-working and holiday days, making it almost identical to the previous year. With this in mind, Julia Sanina, the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Rabota.ru service, has shared recommendations for vacation planning that focus on extending holiday periods using a minimum of vacation days.
Sanina's strategies encourage workers to plan ahead and coordinate with their teams to secure preferred dates and avoid scheduling conflicts. By booking vacations well in advance, workers can ensure a smooth workflow and adequate coverage during absences.
One of the key aspects of Sanina's recommendations is prioritizing mental health and work-life balance. She encourages using vacation days to fully disconnect from work and recharge, rather than saving them all for one long holiday. Taking regular breaks throughout the year can help maintain productivity and overall well-being.
Sanina also advocates for flexible and personalized scheduling. Workers should tailor their vacation timing to individual needs, considering personal life events and peak workload periods. She suggests that employers should adopt flexible vacation policies that allow for shorter, frequent breaks or extended holidays.
To manage time off effectively, Sanina recommends using technology. Online tools and apps can make it easy to submit vacation requests, receive approvals, and keep track of team calendars. Transparency and visibility of planned time off across the organization are essential for smooth operations.
Sanina also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that supports taking vacation. Leaders should set an example by actively taking and respecting vacation times, and organisations should make it clear that taking vacation is valued and supported.
Finally, Sanina encourages integrating vacation planning with wellness initiatives. Employees can use their vacation time for holistic well-being, such as retreats, workshops, or personal development activities.
While there are no publicly available records or statements specifically from Julia Sanina regarding optimal vacation planning strategies for 2026, these strategies align with modern HR best practices and are likely to be advocated for by someone in her position.
In 2026, July, September, and December will have 23 working days each. By applying Sanina's strategies, workers can effectively maximize their leisure time, for example, by taking a vacation from February 24 to 27, resulting in a nine-day break while using only four vacation days. Similar strategies can be applied in March (10-13), May (12-15), and June (8-11).
If you would like, I can monitor official Rabota.ru communications or interviews with Julia Sanina and update you if her specific recommendations for 2026 vacation planning become available.
By adhering to Sanina's recommendations, workers can recharge their mental health and work-life balance, incorporating travel and leisure activities in their vacation plans. For instance, planning a vacation from February 24 to 27 would allow employees to enjoy a nine-day break, using only four vacation days, especially considering the holiday month of December will have 23 working days.
