THE PROBLEMS OF LABOUR SHORTAGES AND WAYS TO OPTIMISE LABOUR RESOURCES UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the problems of labor shortages and imbalances in the domestic labor market across sectoral and regional perspectives, as well as to justify ways to optimize labor resources under martial law. The relevance of the labor shortage issue is substantiated in light of migration and mobilization processes in Ukraine. It has been established that nearly half of employers across various economic sectors identify labor shortages as a key factor limiting their capacity to increase production. The results of a sociological study of the labor market are analyzed from the perspective of material, organizational, and psychological aspects. An analysis of the regional breakdown of labor market imbalances was conducted, revealing an excess of labor supply over demand in frontline regions and diametrically opposed trends in the central and northern regions of Ukraine. It was established that in western regions, migration processes have led to significant disproportionate transformations in the occupational and qualification structure of the labor force. This paper analyzes and justifies ways to optimize human resources and labor relations in the context of domestic employers adapting to labor shortages under martial law. Among these are: the introduction of remote work; the conclusion of employment contracts with flexible working hours; the engagement of individuals to perform specific tasks under civil law contracts, the conclusion of gig contracts, and cooperation with individual entrepreneurs; the retention of employees subject to military service by enterprises with a status critical to the economy; increasing the standard working hours for employees of critical infrastructure facilities; addressing gender imbalance in the labor market through the implementation of retraining programs for female employees; implementing staff development and training programs aimed at developing “multifunctional” skills; and implementing programs for material and socio-psychological support of staff to enhance emotional resilience and productivity. The prospects for further scientific research in the direction of identifying effective tools for digital transformation and work organization in the real sectors of Ukraine’s economy have been identified.