Shyshpanova Nataliia, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration and Administration and International Economics, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8347-5682
e-mail: shishpanova@mnau.edu.ua

Strategic approaches to the integration of youth into the public sector

Abstract. Introduction. The article examines the current challenges faced by Ukraine’s public service during the full-scale war, particularly the staff shortage and the need for reforming the human resources policy. The role of youth as a strategic resource for modernizing the public sector, ensuring the resilience of public administration, and implementing European integration processes is emphasized.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to justify strategic approaches for integrating young professionals into the public sector, explore current motivational mechanisms, and develop recommendations for improving human resources policy.

Results. It is established that a significant portion of positions in the civil service remains vacant, creating the need for innovative mechanisms to attract young professionals. The motivational factors that encourage youth participation in public administration and the barriers hindering this process are analyzed. Special attention is given to motivators such as social stability guaranteed by the state, opportunities for professional growth, participation in public sector reform processes, and the ability to influence important societal decisions. It is emphasized that competitive salaries, provision of social benefits, and conditions for professional development are also key factors for young specialists. At the same time, major barriers are identified, including the low prestige of public sector jobs due to societal stereotypes, insufficient funding of public institutions, limited career development prospects, difficulties in adapting to administrative requirements, and high levels of bureaucracy. The impact of the underdeveloped mentoring and support system for young employees during their transition into the professional environment is also noted.
The experience of European countries regarding the integration of young professionals into the public sector is considered. It is found that young specialists possess high adaptability, innovativeness, and motivation for change, qualities which are critically important for overcoming the challenges of wartime.

Conclusions. It is recommended to develop effective programs for attracting young specialists to the civil service, incorporating modern approaches to training, mentoring, career development, and providing competitive working conditions. The need for implementing a systematic human resources policy aimed at developing youth as a key resource for the sustainable development of public administration is emphasized. The recommendations developed will contribute to strengthening the public service and enhancing its effectiveness during post-war recovery and integration into European standards.

Keywords: strategic approaches, youth integration, public service, human resources policy, post-war recovery.

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