Labor Shortage in Ukraine: 74% of Companies Will Raise Salaries in 2026

Labor Shortage in Ukraine: 74% of Companies Will Raise Salaries in 2026

In 2025, Ukraine is experiencing fierce competition for workers in the job market, where 74% of companies acknowledge a significant labor shortage. This situation forces employers to seek ways to support their employees, the main ones being salary increases and investments in training.

According to a survey conducted from October 2 to November 1, 2025, 94% of companies plan to increase salaries in 2026. This indicates that employers are aware of the need to improve working conditions to attract and retain qualified specialists. At the same time, 36% of companies plan to increase the number of employees in 2026, which also indicates a growing demand for staff in various fields.

Expected Changes in Business for 2026

The survey involved 126 HR specialists who emphasized that supporting employees has become a necessity of the time, not just a bonus. The most urgent vacancies remain:

• skilled and technical positions
• narrowly specialized professionals with English proficiency
• sales managers
• middle management leaders

Expected changes in business for 2026 include salary increases, increased investments in training, entering new markets, and refreshing management teams. These steps could significantly impact the development of the labor market in Ukraine, as companies strive to adapt to new conditions and the needs of their employees.

Rising salaries and increased demand for staff in Ukraine indicate that the labor market is becoming increasingly competitive. Companies must understand that attracting and retaining talented employees requires not only raising wages but also investing in their professional development. The successful implementation of these measures could contribute to both increased labor productivity and the stable development of the country's economy as a whole.