Challenges of Social Adaptation of Veterans to Civilian Work Teams: Tools for Public Organizations’ Influence
Stoliaruk K. S., Rupak A. А., Domanova A. А.

Stoliaruk, Khrystyna S., Rupak, Alina А., and Domanova, Andriana А. (2025) “Challenges of Social Adaptation of Veterans to Civilian Work Teams: Tools for Public Organizations’ Influence.” The Problems of Economy 4:401–409.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-0712-2025-4-401-409

Section: Social economy, policy and demography

UDC 331.316.35

Abstract:
This article examines the pressing issue of social adaptation of war veterans in Ukraine, including individuals with disabilities sustained during combat, to civilian work teams in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion. The authors analyze the challenges of professional reintegration related to psychological barriers, prejudices, employer apprehensions, and the cultural gap between military and civilian environments. The aim of this study is to substantiate the specifics of adaptation in the workplace, assess teams’ readiness for cooperative interaction (considering triggers and emotional states), evaluate levels of prejudice affecting teamwork, and identify the tools that public organizations can use to facilitate veterans’ reintegration. The empirical part of the article is presented through the results of a sociological study conducted via an online survey of 52 respondents (November 2025), which indicate a high level of social sensitivity, empathy, and the readiness of teams to support veterans (72–84% positive responses regarding communication, environmental adaptation, and consideration of triggers). At the same time, hidden biases were revealed (44%) and a need for education was identified. The analysis of the role and influence tools of public organizations in the process of reintegrating veterans into civilian work teams was conducted using the following NGOs as examples: «Center for the Employment of Free People» (retraining, entrepreneurship, business course, manuals); «Tribe» (vacancy database, skills adaptation, events for employers); «Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs» (funding, consulting, advocacy); «ASMP Ukraine» (manuals for managers); and others that promote policies and training to ensure the effective reintegration of veterans into civilian life and the labor market. The conclusions highlight the need to strengthen an inclusive corporate culture and to conduct further research on the impact of veteran policies on team interaction.

Keywords: social adaptation, veterans, people with disabilities, civilian work teams, reintegration, social responsibility.

Tabl.: 1. Bibl.: 20.

Stoliaruk Khrystyna S. – Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor, Associate Professor, Department of Socioeconomics and Human Resources Management, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (54/1 Beresteiskyi Ave., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine)
Email: khrystyna.stoliaruk@kneu.edu.ua
Rupak Alina А. – Applicant, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (54/1 Beresteiskyi Ave., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine)
Email: alina.ruppach@gmail.com
Domanova Andriana А. – Applicant, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (54/1 Beresteiskyi Ave., Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine)
Email: andrianakomornik217@gmail.com

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