The war in Ukraine fundamentally changed the labor market. Mobilization, migration and a difficult economic situation created an acute shortage of personnel, which affected the hiring policy of companies. According to the study "Barometer of the labor market 2024" by the company GRC.ua, which was conducted in partnership with UNIAN, employers are forced to adapt to new realities.
Compared to 2023, the number of companies employing people with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased significantly. This year, 50% of employers are ready to hire people with disabilities (compared to 36% in 2023), and 47% of companies support the employment of IDPs (compared to 35% last year).
Also, twice as many employers became open to hiring military personnel. In 2024, 43% of companies employ veterans, while in 2023 this figure was only 24%.
Hiring employees aged 50+ has become a key trend. 77% of employers declared their willingness to hire such candidates. In addition, women are increasingly occupying positions that were previously "men's". Today, 64% of companies actively involve women in such professions.
What is expected from the state?
Companies declare the need for state support to preserve business and develop the labor market. Main requests:
- reduction of the tax burden (36%);
- coordination of economy booking (33%);
- facilitating the hiring of foreigners and changing age restrictions (14%).
Despite the challenges of the war, 82% of Ukrainians plan to continue working or look for a new job. Only 6% consider emigration as a permanent option.
The International Labor Organization predicts a shortage of 8.6 million workers in Ukraine over the next ten years. At the same time, the labor market shows a certain stability, maintaining more than 100 thousand vacancies in November 2024.
