CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF SOCIO-PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION OF VETERANS IN UKRAINE: ADMINISTRATIVE MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The article explores the issues of professional and psychosocial adaptation of veterans in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that the reintegration of veterans is a key socio-economic problem, given the expected return of 4-5 million veterans to civilian life, which poses a serious challenge for state institutions and employers. The existing personnel shortage significantly affects the functioning of the labor market. To achieve the research objective, modern scientific approaches and international experience from the USA, Canada, and Denmark were analyzed. The authors identified the main barriers veterans face when returning to civilian and professional life and outlined the problems that remain insufficiently addressed in the Ukrainian context, including professional retraining, psychological support, and integration into work collectives. The analysis of academic works and international experience confirms that the problem of veteran reintegration is multifaceted and requires comprehensive solutions at both state and societal levels. Despite certain existing initiatives in Ukraine, issues of professional adaptation, psychological support, and the formation of a tolerant environment in teams remain unresolved. The article proposes an original model of socio-professional adaptation of veterans, which includes preparatory, physical, psychological, social, and professional development stages, as well as support from the state and organizations. This model is based on the premise that veterans acquire valuable skills during their service, such as teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, and stress resilience, which can be successfully integrated into civilian life. The practical value of the article lies in the development of recommendations for government agencies, employers, and non-governmental organizations on improving adaptation programs. The proposed model can serve as a methodological basis for creating effective corporate programs, as the implementation of adaptation policies in enterprises contributes not only to the professional integration of veterans but also to the formation of trust and a positive microclimate within the team. The human-centered approach in working with veterans is identified as a key factor in modern management, demonstrating the social responsibility of organizations. The prospects for further research include studying the effectiveness of corporate adaptation programs across various economic sectors to identify and scale up best practices.