Like many of you, I am watching the war in Ukraine unfold. Even though we saw things unravel, it was still a shock to wake up one morning to a new reality, where the war had started with the country and the Ukrainian people under heavy military attack.
Over the past months, I have been engaged with companies in Ukraine. I’ve met many talented people as we worked on projects. It’s unthinkable that they are now executing the contingency plans to relocate their people while many of them have been drafted to fight for their country.
Ukraine has a thriving, vital
Technology Ecosystem, as well as a
startup scene, and that includes a list of young companies that create people solutions – see below. Some of them moved their headquarters to other countries, but what they all have in common is a workforce in Ukraine.
These companies will need paying clients so their employees can rebuild their lives. As all infrastructure runs in the cloud, the companies can survive as long as people buy their services. But given that the current situation is full of uncertainties, signing new clients seems a herculean task.
One thing is certain: their people won’t be able to return home shortly. And that means these companies need our help. They need everything: a new office, places to let their people work, meet with clients, run their business, house employees. And in the longer term, support to repair and refurbish offices and homes. If you can offer logistical or financial assistance, now’s the time to let them know.
This is not the time to take a look at the list and start poaching people from affected companies to ease your staffing problems, unless they specifically ask for a job. I realize that businesses are not philanthropies, but sometimes you have to do the right thing.
I know that many of you have been involved in fundraising activities. It’s heartwarming to see how people reach out to help others in times of great distress. I have a list of young Ukrainian companies below. I am sure that they would appreciate your note of support. Let them know you think about them and offer your help.
Other ways to help:
Sergio Caredda created an awesome
“HR for Ukraine” Notion site that is expanding every day. It is chock full of resources, from FAQs to relocation support to job boards and counseling services. It has everything you need when you work with people that are affected by the war.
Until next time, Anita