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Abstract

<jats:p>The relevance of the research is driven by the profound structural crisis in Ukraine's labor market caused by the full-scale invasion. The economy’s contraction by 30% in 2022, coupled with the forced migration of approximately 6 million citizens and the mobilization of around 750,000 people, has created an unprecedented labor shortage. By late 2025, over 60% of enterprises identified the lack of personnel as their primary challenge, necessitating a fundamental shift in human resource management from traditional administration to strategic "human-centricity" and organizational resilience. The purpose of the article is to analyze the transformation of HR strategies under martial law and to identify key priority areas for developing internal human resources to ensure business survival and long-term sustainability. The results of the study highlight several critical adaptation trends. There is a significant shift in gender roles: by 2025, 64% of Ukrainian companies began hiring women for traditionally "male" positions, particularly in mining, energy, and logistics. The "silver economy" has emerged as a vital resource, with the share of employed retirees reaching 27.45% in 2026, as companies like "Silpo" and "ATB" actively integrate specialists aged over 60 to preserve institutional memory. Third, the economic reintegration of veterans is identified as a national priority, that why leading corporations like Metinvest, DTEK, and MHP are implementing comprehensive "ProVeteran" programs focusing on reskilling and inclusive work environments. Additionally, mental health support (well-being) has evolved to a core element of corporate culture, with companies like SoftServe and Kyivstar providing 24/7 psychological assistance to mitigate the effects of war-related stress. The study concludes that Ukrainian HR departments are transforming into centers for social adaptation and resilience. Business survival in a permanent labor shortage depends on the ability to activate internal reserves, implement inclusive practices, and take on social roles traditionally held by the state, such as vocational education and psychological rehabilitation. Investing in human capital and "human sustainability" is the only viable mechanism for maintaining competitiveness and supporting the country's post-war recovery.</jats:p>

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Keywords

human labor companies shortage 2025

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