The study by Ruban Litvinova Social Impact Advisory, carried out at the initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy, found that in Ukraine people aged 45 and over often encounter age-related stereotypes when seeking employment. HR specialists sometimes view a candidate’s age as a weakness, and interaction between employees of different generations within companies remains fragmentary.
Employment and HR attitudes
According to the survey, HR specialists sometimes consider a candidate’s age a disadvantage, which makes finding work more difficult for people older than 45. Interaction between generations in companies is described as fragmentary, without established practices for teamwork between younger and older employees.
The study also notes that there is a growing societal demand to rethink attitudes to age. It emphasises the need for psychological comfort and opportunities for self‑realisation at different stages of life.
Value of employees aged 55+
An analysis of more than 200 companies showed that employees aged 55+ are no less valuable to employers and, in some cases, even more reliable. This observation highlights the gap between the attitudes of some HR professionals and the actual competencies of older workers.
The study also calls for the development of teamwork between the 25+ and 55+ generations. The authors stress the importance of creating conditions for long‑term employment and supporting the self‑realisation of older people.
National strategy for a barrier-free environment and state initiatives
The implementation of a barrier‑free environment in Ukraine is provided for by the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier‑free Space in Ukraine for the period up to 2030, approved by the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 14 April 2021 No 366- р. The strategy was developed within the framework of First Lady Olena Zelenska’s “No Barriers” initiative and in execution of a Presidential Decree.
The strategy proposes a comprehensive approach to building the principles of barrier‑free access for all social groups and older people and foresees ensuring equal rights and opportunities in the following areas:
- self‑realisation;
- employment;
- mobility;
- services;
- continuing education;
- communication;
- leisure and development.
To support older people in these initiatives, the state offers special programmes. The study stresses the importance of developing a barrier‑free environment to ensure equal opportunities in work and life.
