The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Switzerland have launched "Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work", a five-year project under Switzerland's Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026-2030 Programme. The ILO leads Component IV. on Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work for SMEs in Ukraine for contributing to Ukraine's economic transformation by strengthening productivity, enterprise competitiveness, and decent work across the country.
Funded by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026-2030 Programme is implemented by the Helvetas-NIRAS consortium, with the ILO leading the cross-cutting labour market component through its Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work approach. This approach has been successfully implemented by the ILO in several countries and across sectors such as agro-processing, garment manufacturing, furniture, automotive, leather, stonework, and machinery production.
The component led by the ILO aims to strengthen productivity and improve working conditions, supporting workers and enterprises as they navigate the economic challenges caused by the war. Labour constraints make productivity a top priority to enable companies to be competitive but also to reduce excessive workloads for employees.
The ILO promotes decent work strategies, such as the protection of workers' rights and the inclusion of women and veterans in the labour market, as key drivers of higher productivity.
Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine, underscored the importance of strengthening the link between productivity and decent work.
"Competitiveness begins in the workplace. Productivity is not only about technology or investment - it is also about skills, social dialogue, and decent work. Through Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work, the ILO will help strengthen these foundations, supporting stronger enterprises, better opportunities for people and a more productive economy as Ukraine advances its recovery, reconstruction and European integration ambitions."
Through "Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work", the ILO will support stronger sectoral policies, workforce upskilling and reskilling, improved occupational safety and health (OSH) practices, and enhanced cooperation among government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations. Through this tripartite approach, the ILO will help boost productivity, expand economic opportunities and foster more inclusive growth that contributes to Ukraine's reconstruction.
Building on the ILO's wider work in Ukraine, the initiative reflects the shared commitment of the ILO and Switzerland to strengthening productivity, advancing decent work and fostering a more competitive and inclusive economy.
