Mission: Back in Tech: Helping Companies Adapt to the Return of Veterans

On July 31, Lviv IT Cluster, in partnership with the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center, hosted the conference New Reality – Mission: Back in Tech. The event focused on helping tech companies adapt to the reintegration of employees affected by war. Over a hundred attendees, including tech company representatives, mental health professionals, and military personnel, gathered for this important discussion.

Lviv IT Cluster is committed to assisting tech companies in preparing for the return of war-affected employees. To this end, we’ve launched the Mission: Back in Tech project, kicking off with this major conference in collaboration with the Mental Health Center.

“Our main mission is to rebuild professional connections disrupted by war, focusing on reestablishing effective teamwork among former colleagues. The recent conference marked the initial phase of our project, where we gathered insights from veterans about their career aspirations and received guidance from mental health professionals. Moving forward, we’re forming working groups to implement these ideas. We strongly encourage representatives from tech companies within the Lviv IT Cluster to participate in this initiative,” says Natalia Heras, Project Lead of Mission: Back in Tech and Partnership Director at Lviv IT Cluster.

The reintegration of demobilized employees into the workforce has become a critical priority for companies in the tech sector. The full-scale invasion compelled numerous tech specialists to put their careers on hold and take up arms to defend the country. Upon returning to civilian life, these professionals frequently struggle to readapt and resume their previous roles. Therefore, companies must be ready to support colleagues who have completed their military service.

“Veterans returning from war and re-entering the workforce face many obstacles on the path to success. This is due to deep psychological trauma that can manifest as apathy and asthenia. On one hand, veterans recognize the need to work, but on the other, they feel unwilling or unable to act. The consequences of traumatic experiences can lead to the development of PTSD. These processes need to be experienced together with others. Colleagues at work must learn to recognize these symptoms and provide assistance, showing care for veterans,” says Oleh Bereziuk, psychiatrist and head of the mental health service at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center.

Doctors emphasize that understanding and empathy from colleagues will allow veterans to feel more confident.

“Veterans seek respect, recognition, and an understanding that their contribution is significant. Therefore, don’t hesitate to express gratitude and communicate with such colleagues. Even a simple military greeting will be a significant step in establishing communication with veterans, as it shows that their sacrifice is valued,” says military doctor and psychotherapist Maryana Mamonova.

Some Ukrainian tech companies are developing support programs to rapidly recover veterans’ professional skills and competencies. These include financial assistance, medical services, social initiatives, and educational opportunities. At the same time, veterans emphasize that their primary need is support in restoring their mental health.

“Every veteran returning from war should receive proper psychological assistance. It is important to involve psychologists in the interview process when hiring veterans. It would be especially effective to hire professionals who have military experience themselves. I’ll let you in on a little secret: veterans trust those who have also been through combat more. Therefore, such specialists will be the best consultants for business owners,” says Andriy Zholob, a veteran and head of the Center for Services for Combatants in Lviv.

The Mission: Back in Tech project is part of the Victory Projects initiative and will be implemented in three stages:

• Development of Methodological Materials: These materials will help companies prepare for colleagues’ return from the war. This product is designed to be an effective tool for employers and consists of guidelines for all company levels: CEOs and owners, top managers, HR professionals, and other specialists. The comprehensive set of materials will include descriptions of onboarding processes, training, and retraining of demobilized employees, as well as guidelines for proper communication.

• Planning Offsite Training Sessions: These will be beneficial for companies that have not had the opportunity to prepare for veterans’ returns or are facing certain challenges.

• Collection of Materials and Recommendations for Legislative Initiatives: This is necessary to form a list of changes that need to be implemented in legislation regarding veterans’ employment.

Support the Mission: Back in Tech project and join the working groups by following the link.