Ukraine’s Workforce Shortage Sparks Hiring Shifts As Women, Retirees, Teens Step In

Ukraine faces severe labor shortages due to its ongoing war with Russia, and its businesses are dramatically changing their hiring practices to ensure the country’s economic survival and future stability. 

This war has pushed Ukraine’s labor market to recruit more women into traditionally male-dominated roles and turn to teenagers, students, and older workers to fill the void left by those lost to the war effort. 

Reuters reports that since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has lost over a quarter of its workforce, creating a dire need for skilled workers.  

A survey published by the country’s economy ministry reports 60% of Ukraine’s businesses listed that their main challenge is finding qualified employees. Major work sectors including construction, transport, and mining are particularly affected due to the country’s military mobilization — which has drawn men aged 25 to 60 into the war. 

There has been a cultural shift away from traditional gender and age biases when it comes to hiring in Ukraine. It’s reported that women are increasingly taking over roles such as tram and truck drivers, coal miners, and security guards.  

Companies are also changing recruitment and business practices — increasing wages, offering more benefits, and making job offers to retirees. 

To support these changes in workforce demographics, Ukraine’s government and other foreign partners have launched several reskilling programs to help address the labor crisis and hold onto economic stability as Ukraine continues to face challenging times.