According to the results of a new analytical study, “Labor Market Barometer,” 83.3% of manufacturing enterprises in Ukraine continue to operate at full capacity, while another 16.7% are operating at partial capacity. At the same time, staff shortages remain one of the industry’s main challenges. This was reported by Dengi.ua, citing NV Business.
Finding and retaining qualified workers has become an ongoing challenge for executives at manufacturing companies. According to the study, 83.3% of employers surveyed face a shortage of candidates for blue-collar positions. Another 66.7% note an outflow of workers abroad, and the same percentage report difficulties integrating veterans—both men and women—into the professional environment. Half of the respondents point to a general shortage of personnel across all categories, while 16.7% report a shortage of young professionals.
o overcome the labor crisis, companies are expanding their candidate pool. All employers who participated in the survey hire people over the age of 50. Sixty-six point seven percent (66.7%) of companies recruit women for professions traditionally considered male-dominated and also employ people with disabilities. In addition, 50% of companies work with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and assist military personnel in transitioning back to civilian careers.
At the same time, job seekers themselves face difficulties. For 64% of workers in the manufacturing sector, finding jobs with decent wages remains a serious problem.
At the same time, most employees are unwilling to compromise on pay. For example, 76% of respondents are unwilling to lower their salary expectations. Only 20% are willing to accept a reduction in their desired income, but by no more than 5%.
The intense competition for skilled professionals is exacerbated by employees’ intentions to change jobs. According to the study, 76% of respondents are already looking for a new job or are actively considering such a possibility. This indicates high employee mobility and increases the risk of staff turnover.
Given limited financial resources, employers are trying to retain employees not only through salary but also by offering additional benefits. Among the most significant factors, employees cite a good relationship with their immediate supervisor (48%), flexible schedules and transportation to and from work (36% each), and a positive team atmosphere (32%).
Professional retraining is emerging as another way to address staffing challenges. About 68% of employees in the manufacturing sector are willing to learn new skills to increase their marketability and boost their income.