In the future, businesses will face a great challenge – a shortage of workers. According to a study by the International Labour Organization, up to 8.6 million people may be lacking to meet the needs of the market. Can the situation be saved somehow? Let’s figure it out.
Labor Market Issues: What’s Wrong?
Oleksiy Movchan, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development, explains that the main problem now is that internally displaced persons often cannot find work in their field in new regions. At the same time, in neighboring areas, there is a catastrophic shortage of labor! So, people want to work, but they simply cannot find suitable vacancies.
One possible solution to this problem is creating a “demand map.” It is an interactive plan that shows where workers with certain skills are needed, taking into account the characteristics of different regions. The idea is pretty cool, agree, it can greatly simplify the job search for those who have to change their place of residence due to war.
Age Discrimination: Why Candidates 40+ are Left “Outboard”?
And this is not all! Another major labor market problem is age discrimination. Movchan says that many companies do not want to hire candidates aged 40+, even though these people have vast experience and, most importantly, a desire to work! Such discrimination deprives businesses of qualified personnel who could contribute to the development of companies. So, the question is how to overcome this stereotype and give all age groups the opportunity to be part of the workforce.
What Can Save the Ukrainian Labor Market
Movchan also talks about labor migrants who could fill the talent shortage. But it’s not that simple. To do this, an integration system needs to be established: housing, language courses, and other important things. On the other hand, this may increase the burden on internal markets. So, careful and thoughtful action is needed here.
Another proposal is the implementation of economic reservations, which will help stabilize the situation and stop the growth of the labor force deficit. The government is already working on several options for this mechanism to minimize losses.
How to bring back Ukrainian refugees
And, of course, the return of Ukrainians who left abroad due to the war is also a key direction. Our people are our main resource. Without them, the Ukrainian economy will not be able to recover quickly. Therefore, the state is actively working to encourage Ukrainians to return home and find work here.
Thus, the situation in the labor market of Ukraine is challenging but solvable. Currently, the most important thing is cooperation between the government, business, and international partners. Only by joining forces, can we overcome challenges and ensure the country’s economic recovery.
