Resilience and New Challenges: Tech Workers of Kharkiv during the War

The war has profoundly transformed Kharkiv’s tech sector, affecting social stratification, professional networks, and deepening social inequalities. Before the war, Kharkiv’s tech sector functioned as a distinct part of the labor market, characterized by high incomes and professional skills. The war radically changed the role of tech workers, who have become involved in social initiatives, volunteering, and military support. This shift highlights social mobilization and identity changes.

Migration has also played a significant role. With Kharkiv losing its status as a tech hub, new centers like Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Poltava have concentrated resources and deepened regional inequalities. Tech workers relocating abroad face challenges like integration, job searches, and adapting to new societies. Women in tech, in particular, face career limitations due to family separation and childcare duties, while men remaining in Ukraine struggle with stress and physical challenges, affecting productivity.

The war’s impact is also seen through broken support networks, loss of property, and shifting identities. Digital platforms like Slack and MS Teams, once used solely for work, have become hybrid spaces for professional and social discussions, including safety and psychological support. LinkedIn has evolved into a platform for sharing emotional war-related content, adding new social dimensions.

In conclusion, the war has profoundly altered Kharkiv’s tech sector, deepening inequalities and transforming professional networks. Social capital plays a crucial role in either mitigating or reinforcing these inequalities during the conflict. These changes offer broader insights into how professional communities adapt during crises, with implications that reach beyond Ukraine.