Strategic Support During Wartime
Despite the war, Nestlé in Ukraine continues to strengthen its workforce and corporate culture, focusing on three main areas of employee support — physical, financial, and mental well-being.
Under the Ukraine WeCare program, the company has allocated nearly 12 million Swiss francs for assistance measures, including maintaining the average salary of mobilized employees, extended health insurance, food packages, and psychological counseling for employees and their families.
From 2023, Nestlé introduced dedicated insurance programs for veterans and military families, expanding access to rehabilitation and healthcare services.
Leadership in War Program and Veteran Reintegration
To adapt management to wartime realities, Nestlé launched the Leadership in War program, which has trained over 1,000 managers in Ukraine and neighboring countries. The initiative helps leaders support teams that include mobilized employees, veterans, and those affected by the war.
In June 2025, together with the European Business Association, Nestlé founded the Veterans Reintegration and Support Alliance — an open platform promoting veteran employment and career development as part of long-term investment in human capital.
The company applies the principle of “Nothing for Veterans Without Veterans”, ensuring that veterans themselves shape reintegration and workplace adaptation policies.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) remain central to Nestlé’s corporate culture. During wartime, the company expanded its focus to include military personnel and veterans, creating barrier-free workplaces and inclusive policies.
Key areas include:
-
Gender balance and leadership opportunities for women (47% of management positions held by women).
-
Support for people with disabilities, LGBT+ employees, and cultural diversity.
-
Training in inclusive leadership and bias awareness.
-
Cooperation with universities and social organizations to promote inclusive employment.
The Gender Balance Acceleration Plan and new policies such as paternity leave further strengthen equality and career growth opportunities.
Youth Development and Internal Mobility
Through the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, the company creates employment and training opportunities for young Ukrainians.
Over the past two years, 190 interns joined Nestlé, with 35% receiving permanent positions, while 600 young specialists were employed across various functions.
The cross-functional rotation program launched in 2023 allows young managers to expand their expertise across departments. In 2024, 70% of management vacancies were filled by internal candidates, underscoring Nestlé’s commitment to talent development and succession planning.
Mental Health and Employee Well-Being
The Employee Assistance Program provides free psychological counseling and crisis support, while over 1,000 leaders have been trained to identify and prevent burnout.
The company’s Care in Action philosophy ensures comprehensive support based on four pillars:
-
Physical health — safety, insurance, vaccination, nutrition.
-
Mental health — psychological care and resilience training.
-
Social well-being — relocation aid, team events, and financial assistance.
-
Financial well-being — competitive compensation, bonuses, and emergency support.
Social Responsibility and Humanitarian Efforts
Since 2022, Nestlé has provided humanitarian aid worth 29 million Swiss francs (₴1.5 billion), collaborating with over 200 NGOs and supporting rehabilitation centers such as Unbroken and Superhumans.
Through the UkraiNEST Foundation, over 290,000 francs were raised to rebuild housing for employees affected by the war.
Investment Perspective
Nestlé’s approach to leadership and workforce management during wartime demonstrates resilience-driven corporate governance.
By integrating social responsibility with long-term human capital strategy, Nestlé Ukraine sets a benchmark for sustainable business continuity, employee well-being, and post-war economic renewal — signaling strong institutional stability for investors and partners alike.
