How CEMARK Works with Veterans and People with Disabilities

Today, the issues of inclusivity and support for veterans are critically important for Ukrainian businesses. Property Times conducted a comprehensive market study, engaging leaders in the construction industry to discuss best practices for working with demobilized professionals and people with disabilities. 

Svitlana Tserkovna, CEMARK HR Director, shared her expert insights in the article.

For us, developing a barrier-free environment remains a strategic priority. Over the past three years, we have been building a comprehensive support ecosystem based on the principles of equality and professionalism.

Key aspects of CEMARK’s veteran policy:

Competencies over quotas. We have consciously moved away from formal hiring quotas. Veterans and people with disabilities are integrated into the team as full-fledged professionals. Currently, the company employs 23 veterans, whose experience and skills are the primary criteria for their roles.

Individual re-onboarding. The process of welcoming colleagues back after demobilization includes training for line managers and a series of meetings with HR. We assess the employee’s condition and expectations, offering schedule adjustments or professional retraining as needed.

Informational support. Together with our partners, we have developed the “Veteran’s Guide” – a detailed roadmap with adaptation protocols, a description of the career path within the company, and contact information for psychological, legal, and rehabilitation services.

Physical recovery. Our support program includes extended health insurance, specialized rehabilitation for the musculoskeletal system, and spa treatment.

The specific nature of the cement industry requires a unique approach to safety. We focus on adapting roles in engineering, logistics, and administrative functions. This allows us to create jobs where professional expertise takes precedence over physical demands.

Read the full article about CEMARK’s experience on the Property Times website.