Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Ukraine

The Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Ukraine initiative promotes a stronger link between competitiveness, productivity and the creation of decent and productive employment as part of Switzerland’s Competitiveness for Recovery Programme. It addresses a key challenge in Ukraine’s recovery: improvements in enterprise competitiveness and productivity do not automatically result in better jobs, safer working conditions or wider labour market inclusion. At the same time, the country faces significant labour shortages alongside unemployment and low labour force participation among women, veterans, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and older workers. The project applies the ILO’s Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work approach, working in an integrated manner at national, sectoral and enterprise levels. At the policy level, it supports the integration of employment and decent work objectives into competitiveness, industrial, employment and small business strategies. By strengthening tripartite social dialogue and institutional capacity, it enables government and social partners to ensure that productivity gains contribute to formalization, fair wages, safer workplaces and inclusive access to employment. At the sectoral level, the project strengthens the ecosystem that supports small and medium-sized enterprises, which provide the majority of jobs in Ukraine. It builds the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations, business associations, employment services and other public and private actors to deliver coordinated, labour-market-relevant services. These services include support for workplace cooperation, occupational safety and health, skills development, inclusive recruitment and retention practices, and responsible business conduct aligned with international labour standards. At the enterprise level, small and medium-sized enterprises improve productivity while upgrading working conditions and job quality. Practical tools and advisory support promote safer workplaces, stronger worker–management cooperation and greater inclusion of underrepresented groups.By linking productivity gains to improved working conditions and fair employment practices, enterprises enhance competitiveness and expand access to decent work. Through this integrated approach, the initiative contributes to more balanced labour market outcomes, stronger labour market governance and more resilient enterprises. It supports inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in Ukraine by ensuring that productivity growth translates into decent and productive employment for all across the country.

Project symbol

UKR/25/05/CHE

Admin unit

CO-Kyiv

Start date

05/12/2025

End date

31/12/2031

Total allocation

2456542

Total expenditure

Status

Active

44644

Development Partners

Switzerland, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

Country/Countries

Ukraine

Outcomes

Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work
Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions