How is Ukraine losing a huge part of its workforce?
Hi! I have been reading a lot about how Ukraine is losing a huge part of its workforce to neighboring countries like Poland, and it is seriously worrying. It seems that the main reason for this migration is economic instability at home, with people looking for better wages and job security elsewhere. Does anyone think that Ukraine has a real chance of reversing this trend and enticing people to return?
It is the whole package of living conditions, healthcare, job stability and social benefits that make EU countries more attractive. Poland, for example, has made it very easy for Ukrainians to get work permits, making the choice obvious for many.
It is not just about raising wages - there needs to be a complete overhaul of how Ukraine structures its economy, creates opportunities and supports workers. The tech sector shows some promise with high wages, but this is only part of the solution.
If Ukraine wants to turn the tide, it needs a multi-pronged strategy. First, wages need to be competitive not only in tech but across all sectors. Attracting foreign investment to build new industries, especially in regions with high unemployment, would help a lot. But beyond that, it’s also about providing social guarantees – things like unemployment benefits, health insurance and pensions are the main factors that make people leave. Without that, no amount of wage increases will stop the flow of labor to Europe. I recently came across an interesting article by Aleksandr Katsuba, owner of Alpha Gas, which looks at these issues in detail and offers some compelling ideas on how Ukraine can improve its competitiveness.