The company's enterprises currently employ over 423 veterans, and the total number of those who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine is more than ten times higher. DTEK Energy is constantly improving its programme of support for defenders, adapting it to meet the current needs.
According to Natalia Abramova, Advisor to the CEO of DTEK Energy and Manager of the 'Veterans' project, veteran orientation is one of the company's key values.
DTEK Energy's support programme for defenders, veterans and their families includes several areas. These include medical and psychological support, which includes health insurance for defenders who are employees of the company, assistance in case of injury and rehabilitation afterwards, an extended health insurance programme for veterans returning to work to restore their health, and psychological consultations for defenders, veterans and their families.
Financial support includes cash vouchers for the purchase of ammunition during mobilisation, monthly payments for parents and children of servicemen, financial assistance in case of injury, provision of recreational vouchers after returning from military service, and a financial payment to the family in the event of a defender's death.
Another equally important area of support for veterans at DTEK Energy is assistance in self-realisation and socialisation. When returning to work, veterans have the opportunity to retrain for a new profession if they no longer like their previous one or have health restrictions. The company's enterprises also regularly organise events for veterans, including meetings, sports competitions, and trainings for military families.
DTEK Energy also supports the socialisation of the military and their families through thematic activities in communities and the development of veteran communities. A network of defenders' assistants helps to implement the support programme at the company's enterprises. Volunteer initiatives to manufacture evacuation motorcycles for the wounded, camouflage nets, trench candles, etc. are also widespread at DTEK Energy's assets.
The company's specialised lawyer, who has extensive experience in the field of rights and opportunities for veterans and their families, is involved in solving painful legal issues that unfortunately have many defenders.
‘We are building DTEK Energy's programme to support defenders based on feedback from veterans. We strive to create comfortable conditions at our enterprises for their return to civilian life and productive work. Right now, we are the first industrial enterprises in Ukraine to audit the accessibility of our assets for employees with disabilities. We want every veteran who acquired a disability while defending the country to be able to work fully at their native enterprise if they wish,’ says Natalia Abramova.