Veterans in the office: how businesses can help them integrate effectively
28 July 20:32
Employers can greatly facilitate the adaptation of female and male veterans to civilian life and speed up their employment if they create a safe, supportive environment. This includes not only a tolerant corporate culture, but also real tools: mentoring, adaptation programs, access to psychological support, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports with citing to a study by the visual communications agency Top Lead.
According to Anna-Maria , People Ops Director at Netpeak Group, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have gone through the front since 2022, and more and more of them are returning to civilian life. For business, this is not only a challenge but also a unique opportunity.
Veterans are valuable human capital, but their successful integration into the workforce requires thoughtful approaches. That’s why companies that want to be modern, socially responsible and sustainable should implement special HR policies for hiring female and male veterans today.
Businesses need to realize that returning from war is a long and emotionally challenging process. Veterans don’t need pity, they need clear roles, opportunities for fulfillment, and equal treatment. Supporting such employees is not a gesture of goodwill, but a strategic investment in the company’s long-term sustainability.
Military psychologist Oleksandr Chamorov emphasizes that it is important to realize that a veteran may not show visible symptoms of trauma, but be deeply affected by the war. Therefore, it is extremely important to build a corporate culture where there is space for trust and support. Employees must be confident that they can seek help without fear of stigmatization.
According to international case studies, the involvement of veterans in the work process has a positive impact on team productivity, reduces staff turnover, and increases the level of loyalty to the employer’s brand. For example, in the United States and the United Kingdom, large corporations have long had separate adaptation programs for military personnel returning to civilian life. Ukrainian businesses should study these practices and adapt them to their own conditions.
What exactly do veterans need in the workplace?
- flexible hours or a gradual introduction to full-time work;
- clear, transparent expectations of the role;
- an emotionally safe environment;
- the opportunity to visit a psychotherapist or coach;
- a team that understands the specifics of military experience.
For companies, this also means training for HR professionals, department and team leaders.
In the post-war economy, it is veteran initiatives that can become a catalyst for a new quality of workforce. A business that builds effective adaptation mechanisms today will have a strong, loyal and motivated team tomorrow.
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