Dialogue, rehabilitation, and focus on psycho-emotional state: 'Metinvest' shared practices of engaging and adapting veterans

Veteran policies in Ukrainian companies: what studies have shown

Currently, only 45 out of the 200 largest companies in Ukraine have a formalized veteran policy, and 23% of veterans faced discrimination when seeking employment. These data are included in the analytical research by Top Lead 'Veterans after the war: how to ensure dignity at work', prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Ukrainian Veteran Fund.

(Re)integration programs for veterans at 'Metinvest'

The presentation of the research took place during the 'Veteran Initiatives' forum. At the event, 'Metinvest' presented one of the components of the ecosystem for (re)integration of veterans - the direction of physical and mental health.

'Metinvest' approaches veteran programs as a long-term systemic policy, where not only initiatives are important but also sustainable mechanisms for their support. The focus on psycho-emotional state, medical support, professional and social integration, and teamwork - this is the tool that helps to return veterans not just to work but to a full life,' said Svitlana Parova, head of veteran reintegration projects at 'Metinvest'.

According to her, veterans prioritize health as the number one issue. Therefore, this direction is an important part of the veteran policy. 'Metinvest' is working on improving and expanding programs in this area, ensuring their quality.

Programs and events for veterans at 'Metinvest'

'One of the first programs - 'Metinvest' - together', is a psychological support service for all employees and their families. For veterans, we added the option of consultation with military psychologists and group meetings 'Brother', where veterans share experiences of adapting to peaceful life in an equal-to-equal format, moderated by experienced psychologists,' noted Svitlana.

To improve the physical and psychological state of veterans, 'Metinvest', together with the 'Heart of Azovstal' project, launched a program of veteran camps in the Carpathians - this is rehabilitation for veterans in the mountains, combining psychological support, health improvement, physical activity, and communication in a trusted environment.

During the 'Veteran Initiatives' forum, the 'Metinvest' company presented its program for (re)integration of veterans, emphasizing the focus on the physical and mental health of military personnel who need support and rehabilitation for successful adaptation to peaceful life. The company is actively working on the development and improvement of its programs aimed at supporting veterans, focusing on their wellbeing and full integration into public life.