Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Working Life in Ukraine and in EU Countries

Abstract

The quality of working life is an influential factor in determining the direction of labor movement between countries and between corporations within a country. Countries that offer the best living conditions, financial state support, social integration programs, decent working conditions and wages have become the center of attraction for Ukrainian refugees after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality of working life in Ukraine and the European Union to assess the possibilities of returning refugees to Ukraine and attracting new labor from European countries during its recovery and implementation of steps towards sustainable development. A comparative analysis of key characteristics of the quality of working life shows that Ukraine is significantly inferior to EU countries. Macroeconomic conditions, employment rate and share of informal employment, income and wages, length of working week and annual guaranteed leave are key groups of indicators that require attention and direct or indirect influence to adjust them to the EU average. The article identifies the priority tasks for bridging the gap between the quality of working life in Ukraine and European countries, in particular by eliminating structural imbalances in the labor market.