The Ukrainian labor market continues to adapt to the difficult conditions caused by war, economic instability and outflow of population abroad. Despite the constant challenges, the labor market demonstrates stability, but the problem of skilled personnel shortages is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, Ukrainians who remain in the country are looking for ways to maintain competitiveness, in particular through the acquisition of new professions and advanced training.
The study of the barometer of the labor market 2024-2025, conducted by GRC.ua, found that most Ukrainians are not ready to concede their salaries. 70% of respondents said they did not agree to work for payment lower than the one they received before the war. This is 8% more than last year, which indicates the stability of employees in wages, even in economic difficulties. Most of those who are ready to go to reduce income are ready to reduce salary requirements by only 5%. Only 12% agree to work for a salary reduced by 10%.
These results demonstrate that Ukrainians are ready to compromise, but seek to maintain at least a minimum level of income that will allow them to maintain a normal standard of living. Preservation of professional stability and income is critical to many citizens, especially in war and constant threats to security. One of the most important trends in the labor market is the growing readiness of Ukrainians to learn new professions to support their competitiveness. In 2024, 63% of respondents said they were ready to gain a new profession or improve their skills to remain in demand and receive a higher salary. This is 9% more than 2023, when the willingness to change the profession was less (54%). This trend also indicates that many workers understand the need to adapt to new labor market requirements, since their old skills may no longer meet modern requirements. In 2024, every tenth Ukrainian is already gaining a new profession, and 95% of respondents plan to do so in the near future. At the same time, the number of people who refuse to study due to extensive experience in their field has decreased from 24% to 19%. This indicates a high level of awareness that constant learning and development are necessary for maintaining a professional position in a changing labor market.
Despite the outflow of working population abroad, Ukrainian business is trying to maintain a competitive level of wages. In 2024, the average wage in Ukraine increased by 22%, which was made possible by the ability of enterprises to adapt to new conditions. However, the greatest increase in salaries has affected those industries where the demand for experts is especially high. This applies, in particular, such areas as IT, construction, logistics and health. However, even the growth of wages, many Ukrainians have not been able to avoid reducing their income. 12% of respondents said their wages have declined compared to last year. This indicates that even in the context of increasing wages, the overall economic situation remains unstable. Despite the difficult conditions, Ukrainians continue to look for ways to adapt to new realities in the labor market. On the one hand, there is a stability of employees in wages, and on the other, the readiness to change the profession and advanced training is increasing. Business, in turn, is forced to consider these factors and provide competitive conditions for their employees.
However, in the future, the issue of staff shortages, especially in highly skilled fields, and outflow of able -bodied population abroad, will remain urgent. Therefore, it is important that the Ukrainian labor market continues to develop, introducing new approaches to the training and development of employees, as well as providing conditions for the involvement and maintenance of talented specialists.
