Ukraine Conflict – How to Support Your Employees

By Kimberley Wallace

Senior HR Consultant

We have all seen the news and witnessed the horrendous conflict currently occurring in Ukraine. It’s incredibly distressing for all. Businesses should be considering how it may be impacting their employees and what can be done to support those who are struggling with the current state of affairs.

Who may be impacted and why?

  • Ukrainian employees – your business may employ Ukrainian nationals, or have employees whose friends and relatives are based in the Ukraine. For these individuals, this will be an extremely challenging and worrying time for them.  
  • Russian employees – Russian nationals may also find this a difficult period. For those that are strongly opposed to the conflict, some may even face cognitive dissonance with their own national identity. Some may even sadly fear social reprisals because of their nationality.
  • All employees – following a very unpredictable and worrying two years thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, employees may also be finding the Russian/Ukraine war very anxiety inducing. We know that the pandemic saw a huge rise in mental health cases. The tendency of increasing mental health issues could be set to continue, as the volatility and threat of war continues to impact NATO countries.

How can you support your staff?

  • Employee Assistance Programme – if you have an EAP scheme in place, remind staff of this and how they can access the scheme. Many EAP schemes offer in person counselling sessions which will be extremely valuable to those staff directly affected by the conflict.
  • Flexibility and leave – offering flexibility around usual hours of work and allowing time off can help those who are directly affected by the conflict. Allow staff to use personal leave and compassionate leave where needed.
  • Communication – stay informed with the latest news and developments and make appropriate business decisions accordingly (e.g. following sanctions lists and restrictions). Clearly communicate this to your staff. Also inform them of the support your business can offer employees. Employees should feel comfortable asking for help when needed. Ensure your management team is also informed on these areas.
  • Mental health days – reassure staff that the use of sick leave for mental health reasons is acceptable. Many people still worry about the stigma attached to taking sickness related to mental health issues.
  • Supporting Ukraine – communicate any initiatives your business is involved in with supporting Ukraine – from financial donations, to providing clothing and bedding, to supporting local Ukrainian businesses and journalism. Your business can get involved and employees may also wish to help too.

If you need any assistance supporting your employees or need any employment policies drafted, please contact our Nockolds HR Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.