Ukrainian businesses develop a systemic approach to veteran reintegration

11/ 12/ 2025

The European Business Association, in partnership with the consulting company DataDriven Research & Consulting, has presented the report “Veterans in Ukrainian Business: Strategic Approaches to Reintegration and Change Management.” This study is the first to systematically describe how Ukrainian companies are adapting their policies and HR practices to support veterans returning to civilian life. According to the findings, 85% of surveyed companies already employ veterans, usually accounting for up to 5% of their workforce. More than two thirds have introduced educational or adaptation training programmes, while over half have developed dedicated internal policies or support initiatives. At the same time, only some large enterprises have a designated role or unit responsible for veteran reintegration — in most cases, these functions are carried out by HR or CSR specialists. Companies with formalised training and managerial preparation programmes are significantly more likely to achieve successful veteran integration within their teams. Key support tools include psychological assistance, medical insurance, career counselling, and flexible working arrangements. The report also highlights support for veterans’ families and commemorative policies — systematic practices for honouring fallen employees, which help foster a culture of gratitude and respect within organisations. “Veteran reintegration is not only an HR task, but a values-driven process. Businesses must create an environment where respect, dignity, and gratitude become part of corporate culture,” the authors note. Based on the study, five key recommendations for businesses were formulated: Designate a responsible person or unit for veteran reintegration; Develop educational programmes and prepare the wider team; Provide comprehensive support to the veteran and their family even during active service; Ensure flexibility and readiness to respond to individual adaptation needs; Establish commemorative policies and a culture of corporate gratitude. The research is based on surveys and interviews with representatives of 26 Ukrainian companies across various economic sectors, along with an analysis of international cases and open data. The full report “Veterans in Ukrainian Business: Strategic Approaches to Reintegration and Change Management” is available via the link.

The European Business Association, in partnership with the consulting company DataDriven Research & Consulting, has presented the report “Veterans in Ukrainian Business: Strategic Approaches to Reintegration and Change Management.”

This study is the first to systematically describe how Ukrainian companies are adapting their policies and HR practices to support veterans returning to civilian life.

According to the findings, 85% of surveyed companies already employ veterans, usually accounting for up to 5% of their workforce. More than two thirds have introduced educational or adaptation training programmes, while over half have developed dedicated internal policies or support initiatives. At the same time, only some large enterprises have a designated role or unit responsible for veteran reintegration — in most cases, these functions are carried out by HR or CSR specialists.

Companies with formalised training and managerial preparation programmes are significantly more likely to achieve successful veteran integration within their teams. Key support tools include psychological assistance, medical insurance, career counselling, and flexible working arrangements.

The report also highlights support for veterans’ families and commemorative policies — systematic practices for honouring fallen employees, which help foster a culture of gratitude and respect within organisations.

“Veteran reintegration is not only an HR task, but a values-driven process. Businesses must create an environment where respect, dignity, and gratitude become part of corporate culture,” the authors note.

Based on the study, five key recommendations for businesses were formulated:

Designate a responsible person or unit for veteran reintegration;
Develop educational programmes and prepare the wider team;
Provide comprehensive support to the veteran and their family even during active service;
Ensure flexibility and readiness to respond to individual adaptation needs;
Establish commemorative policies and a culture of corporate gratitude.

The research is based on surveys and interviews with representatives of 26 Ukrainian companies across various economic sectors, along with an analysis of international cases and open data.

The full report “Veterans in Ukrainian Business: Strategic Approaches to Reintegration and Change Management” is available via the link.