The team at the UCU Center for Monitoring and Research, in collaboration with the UCU Business School and with support from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, presented the results of a study on the challenges veterans face in finding employment in the small and medium-sized business sector.
During the study, employers (owners, managers, and HR specialists) across various business sectors were surveyed about their experiences and willingness to hire veterans. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods enabled a broad range of employers to be surveyed while also providing a deeper dive into the topic. Business representatives of various sizes were included in the survey; however, the focus was on responses from employers in micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
By early 2026, when the number of combatants in Ukraine exceeded 1.4 million, the issue of their professional reintegration became a major challenge for the national economy. The data collected demonstrates a significant level of openness in the business community, as 85% of the employers surveyed expressed a willingness to hire veterans in the future.
Ukrainian businesses recognize the importance of hiring veterans and are willing to provide support throughout the hiring process and during employment. However, there is no uniform approach—the types and extent of support vary significantly across companies. Additionally, an ad hoc approach persists in resolving issues or providing support to veterans.
A key focus of the study is support for employees who are currently serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. More than half of the companies surveyed have such employees, and nearly 47% of them are already preparing them for their future return to the workplace. At the same time, the study identified certain areas for growth, particularly the need for clear integration protocols and increased awareness of government support programs, which are currently known to only a small fraction of business owners.
One of the goals of this study was to determine whether companies have pre-established policies for working with veterans, whether they need to develop them, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses, and what types of support businesses are currently prepared to offer their veteran employees. In addition, the study examined the challenges employers face in hiring veterans, the needs of businesses considering veteran employment, and ways to address these needs.
The study is exploratory in nature. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect information. Quantitative data were collected between February and April 2026 via an online survey. During the quantitative phase, 254 responses were collected from business representatives across various industries and regions; among them, 192 respondents (75.6%) identified their businesses as micro, small, or medium-sized.
The full report, which includes a detailed analysis of the methodology, challenges, and needs of today’s business environment, is available for viewing and download in PDF format. You can download the full document via the link below to access comprehensive information for developing an inclusive growth strategy for your company.
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