This article attempts to trace the changes in the labor paradigm, sociology of work, motivation and labor values in the context of development of the Russian society during the 20 th and early 21 st century. The process of the Russian society entering the world market and the impact of globalization on the world economy have led to qualitative changes in the world of labor. Not only specific social and economic institutions, but also labor processes themselves appear and evolve, the whole nature of social and labor relations changes constantly. Socio-cultural factors rooted in the thoughts of employees and norms of group behavior remain important when assessing the labor sphere in Russia. Modern labor relations include certain parameters of motivation and value of labor, as well as social contexts associated with them, including systems of social protection and benefits provided both on the level of an organization and of the state. This is connected with restoration of the vertical power structure, and with implementation of socio-cultural parameters of the post-Soviet type of labor relations regulatory collectivism, paternalism, one-dimensional employment combined with elements of economic individualism.