How Companies in Poland Can Mentor Ukrainian Refugees

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, more than 7.9 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe. This mass exodus of people is one the fastest forced displacement crises in history and the largest since the Second World War.

Millions of Ukrainian refugees have crossed borders into neighboring countries, with Poland currently hosting over 1.6 million people – the most of any European country.

These displaced Ukrainians face several barriers to meaningful employment, including difficulties with language, trouble accessing their host country’s labor market, and struggles to advance their careers. According to Tent’s internal data, 89% of refugees from Ukraine are interested in mentorship, which can help them to strengthen their skills, expand their professional networks, and better adjust to a new job market.

This resource provides companies in Poland with unique information about how to partner with Tent to establish and implement a successful mentorship program for Ukrainian refugees, with a focus on professional development to restart or advance their careers. It includes:

• A general overview of the status of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, including who they are, as well as the challenges they face when trying to find, secure, and maintain work
• Information for companies about how to recruit for, prepare for, and implement a successful mentorship program in partnership with Tent
• Information for mentors about how to advocate, coordinate, manage, and build a productive relationship with their mentee

This guide is a collaboration between the Tent Partnership for Refugees and HIAS, the international Jewish humanitarian organization that provides vital services to refugees and asylum-seekers in more than 20 countries.