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The full-scale war has forced Ukrainian businesses to rethink how they manage teams and maintain productivity. One of the most pressing challenges is preserving human capital — the most valuable resource for most organizations. Rita Klyushnyk, Head of People Operations at FAVBET, shares how the war has transformed HR strategies and what technologies help sustain teams in this new reality.

**How the war reshaped people management**

The full-scale invasion significantly impacted FAVBET’s operations, prompting a complete overhaul and adaptation of many business processes. According to Rita Klyushnyk, the company’s immediate priorities became employee safety and sustaining motivation during turbulent times.

FAVBET focused on three core areas: decision-making flexibility, comprehensive support, and talent development. Enhanced internal communication, access to psychological assistance, and expanded opportunities for self-realization through educational programs became key tools in maintaining team efficiency and morale.

**Supporting deployed and relocated employees**

One of the major challenges Ukrainian businesses faced was adapting to the reality that some employees joined the armed forces, while others were forced to relocate abroad. FAVBET developed a comprehensive strategy to address this.

The company maintains regular contact with those serving in the military and supplies requested equipment based on specific needs from the units. Importantly, those in the Armed Forces retain their positions and salaries — a core principle of FAVBET.

For those who relocated, FAVBET provided all necessary technical tools and resources to ensure effective remote work, allowing them to remain fully integrated team members regardless of location.

**Success Stories: what worked at FAVBET**

FAVBET not only adapted to the challenges but also identified new growth opportunities. Rita Klyushnyk shared several successful cases:

- **Legal support**: In times of war, when legal questions become more frequent and complex, offering professional legal consultations has been a valuable form of support. Every FAVBET employee can receive free legal advice on issues, including those related to martial law.
- **Adapted benefits**: Tailored perks for employees working abroad helped maintain team loyalty and ensure comfortable working conditions in new environments.
- **Focus on virtual events and charity**: As teams became globally distributed, online events strengthened internal cohesion while also allowing the company to engage in meaningful social initiatives.

**Advice for Companies: supporting teams during wartime**

Based on FAVBET’s experience, Rita Klyushnyk offers recommendations for other companies seeking to support their teams during war. She emphasizes that, under such extreme conditions, employee care becomes not just a business concern, but a lifeline for adapting to new realities.

Key advice includes:

- **Be prepared for the unpredictable**: Companies should develop response strategies for various scenarios, including employees going to war or relocating. These plans must be reviewed and updated regularly.
- **Ensure work flexibility**: Remote work and flexible hours are essential. They allow employees to adjust to personal circumstances while staying productive.
- **Maintain transparent communication**: In uncertain times, open, regular communication is crucial. Employees need to understand the company’s current status, the challenges ahead, and their role in navigating them.
- **Foster team spirit**: War may physically separate people, but virtual team-building, webinars, and shared experiences help preserve a sense of unity and mutual support.

**The future of HR Tech amid War**

Looking ahead, Rita Klyushnyk notes the remarkable resilience of Ukrainian businesses. After three years of full-scale war, many companies not only survived but also expanded and created new jobs despite the circumstances.

She believes the future will bring even faster business evolution, with technology playing a vital role in driving both efficiency and workplace safety.

Key HR Tech trends expected to grow in relevance:

- **Flexible work formats**: Continued development of remote and hybrid models opens access to global talent.
- **HR process automation**: The implementation of ERP systems, HRMS platforms, and chatbots simplifies administrative tasks, saves time, and enables faster communication.

Rita Klyushnyk stresses that technology alone isn’t the solution — its true value is unlocked when used with a human-first mindset. Only when tools serve people can they drive long-term business success.


HR in Times of War: technologies that keep teams together

At the end of 2024, FAVBET Tech secured a spot among the top five Diia.City residents based on total taxes paid.

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At the end of 2024, FAVBET Tech secured a spot among the top five Diia.City residents based on total taxes paid. This was announced by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation. In total, Diia.City residents contributed over ₴18 billion in taxes last year.

“FAVBET Tech is more than just high-tech solutions and innovations for the entertainment industry—we are also a significant contributor to Ukraine’s economic growth. We operate transparently and responsibly, invest in the future of the IT sector, and continue to support initiatives that make Ukraine stronger,” said FAVBET Tech CEO Artem Skrypnyk.

FAVBET Tech is an active player in Ukraine’s IT market and a partner in leading industry initiatives. Since 2022, the company has been a member of the IT Ukraine Association and a Diia.City resident. In 2023, it was included in the ranking of IT companies making the biggest impact on Ukrainians and Ukraine. Additionally, FAVBET Tech is a partner of the Wtech & Friends program, which expands opportunities for women in IT through collaboration with key industry players.

Beyond its engagement in the IT ecosystem, FAVBET Tech invests in cybersecurity and digital protection. Since 2023, the company has collaborated with the CyberPolk NGO, contributing to military information operations and training cybersecurity specialists. The FAVBET Tech team is also involved in software development projects for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the country’s cyber defense initiatives.
In recent years, FAVBET Tech has actively supported educational and engineering initiatives. At the end of 2023, the company became a partner in expanding the “Dronarnia” engineering school, helping to create new training opportunities for military personnel.
In 2024, FAVBET Tech also supported the CEO Talks series organized by the Diia City Union, providing a platform for IT industry leaders to exchange insights and experiences.


FAVBET Tech Ranks Among the Top Five Largest Taxpayers in Diia.City

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"Favbet" LLC paid another 117 million hryvnias of license payments to the state budget of Ukraine.

"The current situation in the economy requires the consolidation of all Ukrainian businesses, regardless of industry. This involves joint work in the humanitarian sphere, support for the army, and most importantly, filling the budget through transparent activities and timely payment of taxes. As a responsible company and one of the market leaders, this year FAVBET not only makes regular license payments, but also increases the volume of licensing of its activities in order to support the national economy during the war and bring our victory closer," commented FAVBET CLO Mykhailo Prykhodko.

In addition, in October of this year, the company also paid UAH 23.4 million for the extension of another license.

According to the current legislation of Ukraine, money received from the payment of licenses in the field of gambling goes to the state and local budgets, as well as through a special state fund, it is directed to support medicine, culture, education and other socially important areas, which often experience a lack of funding, especially in the conditions war

The Ukrainian budget received another 117 million from FAVBET

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, most Ukrainian businesses had to switch to a crisis mode of work - partially or completely curtail operations, evacuate employees, move offices, focus on supporting the army. People Partner Ihor Kosiak told how the company withstood this stress test and adapted to new realities.

Business depends on people. Each of us is the key to recovery after the crisis. Since the early days of the invasion, we have created opportunities for remote work. Many of those who left Kyiv in the first days of the war have already returned, but we still maintain a hybrid work format, that is, employees decide for themselves where it is better for them to work - at home or in the office.

Some of our employees have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union and the Military Academy. They all keep their jobs and wages. Last year, the FAVBET group of companies sent 140 million hryvnias to the state budget only in license payments. The Favbet Foundation and representatives of the FAVBET company support the Ukrainian army, help with the purchase of uniforms, necessary equipment, provide equipment to various divisions, including those where our employees are located. It is important for us that they feel every day that while they are holding the defense on the front, we are supporting them every day in the rear.

The FAVBET office is our fortress. Today, we have achieved almost complete autonomy - there is hot water, backup generators, permanent Internet. In the event of an air alarm, employees can work safely in a large room on the -1st floor. There is an additional outlet, enough sockets for connecting gadgets, drinks and snacks.

In the current year, the company has many ambitious plans, so the opportunities and prospects for FAVBET candidates will only increase.

How FAVBET builds an employer brand and supports employees during war

Favbet Foundation won in the nomination "Own Projects of Charitable Foundations" of the special project MMR and delo.ua "Responsible Country"

Favbet Foundation, together with FAVBET, developed logistics routes for 100 tons of rubber aid, transported 10 tons of humanitarian goods from Croatia to Ukraine, facilitated the evacuation of residents of the frontline zones, and also opened an adaptation center for Ukrainians in Zagreb, where children are educated and psychological and legal assistance is provided. The year 2022 was for us a period of active support of the Armed Forces and those who suffered because of the war. 

We are proud of the award and thank everyone who supports us along the way!

Victory in the "OWN PROJECTS OF CHARITABLE FUNDS" nomination

During the baseball training seminar in Kropyvnytskyi, **athletes of Kyiv and KG Baseball & Softball in Kropyvnytskyi City collected**  **10,000 hryvnias** for the needs of the Ukrainian army. The event was held with the support of FAVBET.

The practical part of the seminar was held in the form of a mini-tournament, "Favbet Cup". Four teams took part in the tournament, three from Kropyvnytskyi: "Uranium", "Stars", "Mesnyki" (the last two are a mix of players from "BioTexCom-KNTU" and "BioTexCom-SDYUSHOR" and cadet teams), and the Kyiv national team.

The funds collected by the athletes during the seminar will be transferred to one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Sportsmen of Kyiv and KG Baseball & Softball in Kropyvnytskyi City collected 10,000 hryvnias

Chief Human Resources Officer, Serhiy Koshyl, talked about this more: did the staff have to be reduced with the onset of hostilities, did the management cut wages and did the hiring process change?

**What was the number of staff at the Favbet company before the war, and did it have to be reduced with the start of hostilities?**

Favbet is a diversified holding that includes several business areas, so it is incorrect to name a single number of personnel.

As for the layoffs, the company's management adopted a strategy of preserving jobs as much as possible: we believe in the victory of Ukraine and the stabilization of business operations. And together with a strong, well-functioning team, the exit from the crisis will be quick and sure.

**Did many Favbet employees have to move to the west of Ukraine or abroad with the outbreak of war?**

In the first month, it was difficult to calculate. People moved every day. As of April, 12% of employees were abroad. Of those who remained in the country, about 40% were in Kyiv and the region. The others are mainly in the west of Ukraine, but a significant part was with families in the central regions. It was the least in the front-line regions.

**How many staff members currently work remotely and do not visit the office at all?**

Since the start of hostilities, the company has had a completely remote mode of operation. In principle, most employees have been working remotely even before, due to the pandemic. At this moment (July), part of the employees already regularly visit the office at their own request.

**Did the management have to make unpopular decisions regarding personnel: cut wages or transfer to part of the rate?**

We adhered to the principle of payment for actual time worked. Here it is important to understand two factors: the availability of tasks and the ability of employees to be in work mode.

If we talk about loading, we have not had any significant stoppages in the projects. Some of them have been revised and replaced by others, which are more prioritized at the moment. In general, downloads have partially decreased in business areas where employees do not have the opportunity to work remotely (in particular, because many of them have left Kyiv). At the same time, many were moving, especially in the first months, in connection with which vacation or non-working days were issued. 

**How many employees voluntarily resigned from the company when the war broke out?**

Maybe because of moving abroad, or for other reasons? The percentage of voluntary dismissals has decreased. For example, there were practically none of them in March-April. Since May, there have been isolated cases due to moving abroad or due to family circumstances. But now there are not enough of them to see any trend. 

In recent years, the labor market in Ukraine has changed a lot and will continue to change in the direction of remote work and Europe. Also, the gap between IT and non-IT industries has become even bigger. Confirmation of the number of vacancies and candidates. This will increasingly affect the retention of employees in various areas.

**What is the staffing situation at Favbet now? Is the company hiring new employees? Perhaps there were new positions in the staff that became relevant precisely during the work of business in wartime conditions?**

We are currently actively recruiting. More than 40 vacancies in various areas are open. To some extent, the current crisis situation has contributed to the revision of the company's long-term goals and the development of new projects, for which we are currently staffing the teams. For the most part, this is the hiring of vacancies typical for our business: developers, digital marketing specialists, customer support, etc. 

**Tell us about the specifics of personnel selection in the gambling industry. Perhaps there are some special difficulties that arise precisely because of work in the gambling sphere?**

The gambling business is very dynamic, diverse, and customer-oriented. Many employees, coming here, stay for a long time. Gone are the days when the gaming business was compared to something unethical.

Now it is a modern entertainment area with international competitors, technological projects and a large number of employees. And thanks to the improvement of regulation at the state level, the industry attracts foreign customers and operators, which forces us to develop even more intensively.

Therefore, the difficulty of hiring in our niche depends on the same factors as in other industries: the applicant's competencies and willingness to work in our rhythm. We have several rounds of interviews with HR and hiring managers so that we and the candidate can be 100% sure if we are a good match. If we see that the applicant has doubts about the gambling sphere, most likely, we will not take him… But at the same time, he may have the same doubts about other industries: outsourcing, fintech, crypto, etc. Therefore, as a large business, we understand the risks of hiring the "wrong" people and are looking for candidates aimed at long-term productive cooperation.

**How is the adaptation of new employees carried out in your company? Did this process change with the onset of the war?**

Taking into account the pandemic, the onboarding process has already been adjusted for remote work. It lasts three months and includes welcome meetings, periodic meetings with the employee/manager/HR, as well as collecting feedback for HR analytics. The start of hostilities affected only an increase in the mailing of documents and welcome packs. Otherwise, the process remained the same.

**We know that Favbet implements many charitable initiatives, supports the army and forcibly displaced people. Can you elaborate on that?**

Today, the main goal of 95% of the projects of our Favbet Foundation is to help the country and forced migrants, support the army and rehabilitate wounded soldiers. We continue to take care of two orphanages. Before the war, they were engaged in the development of the state program of digitalization of libraries, however, unfortunately, the process is currently temporarily suspended due to hostilities in the country. 

At the moment, the company has transferred more than UAH 4 million and 5 tons of fuel directly and through charitable organizations to the needs of the Armed Forces. We also purchased three ambulances, which are already used by Mykolaiv medics, and bought two armored cars for the front. Starting from October 2021, the Favbet Foundation transfers UAH 100,000 every month for the rehabilitation of soldiers.

 Favbet is currently also actively supporting Ukrainian refugees who have stayed in Croatia. We started by organizing a trip to a football match for peace between "Dynamo" Kyiv and "Dynamo" Zagreb. They also opened a free language school, on the basis of which a whole center is already operating for Ukrainians to communicate and receive the necessary support.

The projects of the fund and the company can no longer be divided into two separate directions. Before the war, about 15 people actively worked in the foundation, but today every third of our employees participate on their own initiative in charitable projects within the framework of the foundation or the company.

**What are Favbet's immediate goals for the development of the company as a whole and the employee team in particular, can you share with us?**

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you in detail. This is a trade secret. But in general – the preservation of current positions, as well as the development of new projects that appeared in connection with changes in recent months. And, of course, one of the important directions of the company now is the support of the army and employees who are in the ranks of the Armed Forces.


FAVBET about work in wartime

FAVBET was shortlisted for CEEG Awards 2022 in the category "Best Betting Operator of Central and Eastern Europe 2022". 

Cool news and another reason to continue giving the best emotions from the game to our fans. Thank you for being with us! 

🎮 CEEG Awards is a prestigious industry award that recognizes the best gaming companies in Central and Eastern Europe every year. The shortlist for this year's award was chosen based on the results of 2,741 votes from industry representatives, and the winner will be named on September 16 during a major conference in Budapest.

FAVBET was shortlisted for CEEG Awards 2022 in the category "Best Betting Operator of Central and Eastern Europe 2022"

FAVBET Tech strengthens the membership of the Association for the effective development of the IT industry and the consolidation of efforts of local companies on the cyber front. 

"*FAVBET Tech is a Ukrainian business with a 22-year history and a leader in the Entertainment Tech industry. We participated in the formation of the modern technological market in Ukraine and are definitely interested in building a strong IT cluster at the national level. I believe that by uniting with the best IT companies of the country within the Association, we will be able to make our market even more attractive for internal and external partners, and at the same time – contribute to the development of the innovative economy in Ukraine*", – commented FAVBET Tech CEO Artem Skrypnyk.

Membership in the Association also opens up more opportunities for FAVBET Tech to cooperate with other representatives of the IT community to implement large-scale social and educational projects for the benefit of Ukrainian society.

Over the past 5 months, the team has already created the Finders service for searching for missing and evacuated Ukrainians, established its own IT army for attacks on the enemy's information infrastructure, developed solutions for the Armed Forces, services for blocking Telegram channels, launched the Big Balls fan platform to support the President's initiative United24 of Ukraine.

Executive Director of IT Ukraine Kostyantyn Vasyuk congratulated FAVBET Tech and noted: "*I am confident that FAVBET Tech's expertise, its innovative approaches in the field of software development for gambling and betting will be useful for the Association and our community. Together we will develop the national IT industry and promote the brand of Ukraine as a technological state*".

FAVBET Tech is a new player of IT Ukraine Association

On September 3, the FAVBET group celebrated 23 years of spectacular play, incredible stories and loud victories. 

We decided that the best gift for your birthday would be a gift to those who bring victory closer every day – Ukrainian soldiers.
This is how the idea of ​​a charity collection for 23 drones for several units of the Armed Forces, which are currently on the front lines, appeared. The collection took place for 2 weeks, during which the people of Favbet transferred about 240,000 hryvnias to the charity account of the project.

FAVBET allocated the rest of the purchase amount from its own budget.
The team of the charity Favbet Foundation takes care of the purchase and delivery of quadcopters.

NEWS