The UN Global Compact in Ukraine has released a documentary series titled “We,” focusing on the experiences of leading companies in the human rights sector. Central to the project is the reintegration ecosystem for veterans developed by the Metinvest Group, which supports over 11,000 mobilized employees and their families.
According to Tetiana Petruk, the Director of Sustainable Development and Employee Engagement at Metinvest, the company began establishing a comprehensive support system for demobilized workers in late 2022.
This initiative extends beyond isolated programs to create a full-fledged ecosystem for veteran reintegration. “We are not just building a project; we are creating an entire ecosystem for veterans’ reintegration. For us, the return of military personnel is not only a social responsibility of business but part of Metinvest’s DNA. At the same time, it presents opportunities for individuals: currently, there are about 4,000 job openings across the company’s enterprises,” Petruk stated.
Over the course of more than a decade of conflict, approximately 11,000 employees from Metinvest have joined the defense forces. As of now, more than 8,000 employees are still serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard, and other units, while around 1,000 veterans have returned to work within the Group.
The company’s veteran reintegration system has developed gradually, evolving from initial attempts to a comprehensive approach. It now encompasses five key areas:
- Psychological and physical rehabilitation
- Social support for veterans and their families
- Professional adaptation and free retraining
- Team preparation (training on how to interact appropriately with demobilized colleagues)
- Support for mobilized employees who remain in the military
“It is not the veterans who need to integrate into society; society must adapt to the new reality,” Petruk emphasized.
The creators of the documentary series, which also showcases the experiences of the international company MHP in working with veterans, note that by 2025, Ukraine is expected to have over 1.5 million veterans, a number that could rise to 5 million post-conflict.
Metinvest’s approach has received international recognition, having won the prestigious International Brilliance Award in London for Corporate Wellbeing for its veteran reintegration ecosystem. The company has also been named the best employer for veterans and engineering students, currently employing nearly one-third of veterans who have returned to large businesses.
Additionally, Metinvest has launched the Steel Force initiative aimed at preparing a new generation of specialists to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s industry after the war.
The UN Global Compact in Ukraine has unveiled a documentary series highlighting Metinvest Group's comprehensive support system for veterans. The initiative aims to facilitate the reintegration of veterans into society and the workforce, receiving international acclaim for its innovative approach.