In Russia, 77% of small and medium-sized businesses have increased their labor costs since the beginning of 2024, according to the results of a study by the Russian School of Management (RSHU) and the financial accounting service "PlanFact," which were reviewed by "Izvestia."The study involved 1,045 representatives of companies from various industries and regions of Russia.It is specified that the increase in labor costs was influenced by raising salaries for existing employees, increasing salaries for new employees, expanding the workforce, and raising bonus levels.11% of respondents reported a decrease in expenses. Among the main reasons, they cited workforce reductions, reduced bonuses, and lowered salaries for new employees. In 12% of companies, labor costs have remained at the previous level.Since the beginning of 2024, the majority of small and medium-sized businesses have seen income rises for line specialists (81%). Additionally, salaries and bonuses have increased for department heads (47%) and top management (23%).11% of respondents said they have no employees who have earned more. Mainly, income has increased for specialists in industries such as manufacturing, sales and trade, administrative staff, IT, marketing, advertising, PR, finance, accounting, logistics and supply, and HR.At the same time, 70% of companies stated that they have no employees whose income has decreased since the beginning of 2024.However, some respondents noted that in their companies, line specialists (11%), department heads (8%), and top management (21%) have started to earn less.