HR in wartime: Technologies that keep teams together

The full-scale war is forcing Ukrainian businesses to look for new approaches to managing teams and maintaining efficiency. The issue of preserving human capital, the most valuable resource for most organizations, is particularly acute. Rita Klyushnyk, Head of People Operations at FAVBET, talks about how the war has changed HR approaches and what technological solutions are helping to support the team in the new realities.

How the war changed approaches to personnel managementThe full-scale invasion significantly affected FAVBET’s operations, forcing the company to revise and adapt numerous business processes. According to Rita Klyushnyk, the primary goal was the safety of employees, as well as maintaining their motivation in difficult times.

The company focused on three key areas: flexibility in decision-making, comprehensive support and talent development. Enhanced internal communication, psychological assistance and expanded opportunities for self-realization through educational programs have become the main tools for maintaining the team’s efficiency and motivation.

Support for employees in the army and displaced employeesOne of the key challenges for many Ukrainian companies has been the need to adapt to the fact that some employees have stood up to defend our country or have gone abroad. FAVBET has developed a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue.

The company maintains constant contact with those who defend the country, providing them with the necessary ammunition according to requests from the brigades. Employees serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine retain their jobs and salaries – this is FAVBET’s fundamental position.

For those who have moved abroad, the company has provided all the necessary technical tools and resources for effective remote work, allowing them to remain a full part of the team regardless of location.

Success stories: What worked at FAVBETFAVBET managed not only to adapt to difficult conditions, but also to find new opportunities for development. Rita Klyushnyk shared several successful cases:

Introduction of legal assistance has become an important element of support in times of war, when the situation is changing rapidly and employees often face non-standard legal issues. Today, every Favbet employee can receive free professional legal advice on many issues related to the implementation of martial law.

Adapting benefits for employees abroad helped to maintain the loyalty and motivation of the team, as well as to ensure comfortable working conditions in the new circumstances.

Focus on online events and charity has become an important part of the corporate culture. When employees work from different parts of the world, online events promote team interaction and allow the company to demonstrate social responsibility by supporting important social initiatives.

Recommendations for other companies: How to support a team during the warBased on FAVBET’s experience, Rita Klyushnyk provides recommendations to other companies on how to support employees in times of war. She emphasizes that in such times, personnel support becomes not just an important aspect of business, but a vital part of successful adaptation to the new realities.

Among the key tips:

• Preparedness for unforeseen situations. Companies must be prepared for the fact that employees may find themselves in various difficult circumstances – from developing support programs for employees who have stood up to defend the country to the forced relocation of colleagues abroad. It is important to have ready-made response scenarios for such situations and update them regularly.
• Flexibility of working conditions. Providing the opportunity to work remotely and choose your own work schedule is critical. This allows employees to adapt to personal circumstances and continue to perform their duties effectively.
• Transparent communication. In times of uncertainty, regular and open communication with the team is of particular importance. Employees should understand the current situation in the company, be aware of changes and challenges, and clearly understand their role in these circumstances.
• Support for team spirit. War naturally separates people physically, but it is important to make efforts to maintain a sense of unity and mutual support. Online events, virtual team building, professional webinars create space for communication and allow employees to feel part of the team.

The future of HR technologies in times of warSpeaking about the future, Rita Klyushnyk notes the impressive resilience of Ukrainian business. Over the three years of the full-scale war, many companies have not only survived, but have continued to develop and create new jobs in the most difficult times.

The expert is convinced that in the future, business will develop even more dynamically, and technology will significantly contribute to improving the efficiency and safety of work processes.

Among the key technological trends that will be most in demand:

• Flexible work formats – further development of remote and hybrid work models, which opens up opportunities to attract talent regardless of their geographical location.
• Automation of HR processes through the introduction of ERP systems (ed. enterprise resource planning systems), HRMS (ed. human resource management systems) and chatbots, which simplifies administrative tasks, saves time and ensures prompt communication.

According to Rita Kalyushnyk, technological adaptation has become one of the key factors ensuring the resilience of FAVBET and many other Ukrainian businesses in times of war. However, she notes that the main driver for the introduction of any technologies and tools should be concern for people – only then will they bring the most benefit to the business in the long term.