War veterans are gradually returning from the frontline to civilian life. The process of adaptation requires significant efforts, as veterans need legal and psychological support, medical rehabilitation, retraining, education and other programmes to ensure that they live a decent life in a civilian environment.
Delo.ua in the My Barrier-Free special project tells what veteran programmes big business is implementing to help veterans adapt to civilian life. In particular, the experience of Metinvest Group is discussed.
Metinvest is creating a veteran ecosystem
In 2023, Metinvest began to implement a comprehensive ecosystem to support veterans at all stages of their return to civilian life and professional activities. This initiative was a response to the large number of employees mobilised to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2014, 1% of Metinvest's employees were mobilised to the army, and since the start of the full-scale war, this figure has grown to more than 9,000 people, or every sixth employee of the company.
Today, almost 1,000 employees, including ATO veterans, have returned to work after the frontline, so Metinvest's top priority is to integrate as many former military personnel as possible into the workforce.
Metinvest's veteran ecosystem is based on the principles that all managers are responsible for working with veterans, as employees who have been involved in combat operations are key employees with the experience and skills needed for the stable operation of the company. Even if some of them have lost some of their skills or are unable to perform their previous duties due to medical constraints, the company strives to retain their talent pool. In addition, all employees have equal opportunities, so the system of salaries and wages, remuneration, and appraisal remains the same for all.
At Metinvest, work with veterans is integrated at the systemic level, complementing business processes with programmes that meet the needs during the war and remain relevant after it ends. It is also important to unite the team by honouring veterans, as the company strives not to divide people.
To determine the needs of employees after demobilisation, Metinvest interviewed more than 400 veterans and developed support programmes. They include psychological rehabilitation, medical examinations, legal advice, payment for treatment and prosthetics for the wounded, and financial support for the families of the deceased. The company has already paid out $6.2 million in aid.
The survey results showed that more than 50% of veterans want to study or retrain, so Metinvest offers professional adaptation and higher education at Metinvest Polytechnic with tuition fees paid. Vacancies with the necessary infrastructure and home-based work are also available for veterans with disabilities. Currently, more than 4,000 vacancies are available in various specialities, with the opportunity to learn a new profession in 3-6 months.
Metinvest trains teams and managers in veterans' integration and conflict prevention, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees. The company creates conditions for veterans' adaptation using international experience and its own practices.
"We continue to develop the reintegration of veterans into civilian life, which has become an integral part of our values and strategy. The initiatives are already integrated into the operational process and work automatically. Soon, we will hold a course on first psychological assistance at our enterprises. We also support the social adaptation of veterans by planning to create an association and a space for them," said Metinvest representatives.
