By: Rostyslava Martyniuk, founder of Lighthouse Media
My name is Rostyslava. I was born and raised in Ukraine, and I lived there until the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 forced me to leave. Back home, I worked as a freelance journalist for mostly local media outlets and helped run social media communications for a local municipality. When I arrived in the UK, I was ready to work immediately – eager to be self-reliant and to afford a life in London. But I spent eight long months searching for a job without success. Eventually, I agreed to volunteer for a project I had previously participated in.
Under the guidance of a sensitive and professional manager, I helped develop a year-long communications strategy and designed branded social media templates. I created a series of content rubrics that are still used by the current team. Her mentorship gave me confidence, skills, and valuable experience in real-world marketing campaigns.
At the same time, I was actively applying for paid jobs: sending out CVs, attending interviews, and connecting with companies. Yet the responses were discouraging. Some interview questions were puzzling or downright inappropriate. I was asked if I came from an area with an active war zone, whether I was seeing a therapist, or how many years I had been studying English (eight, in fact – and I arrived already fluent enough to communicate, only improving since).
It became clear to me that many employers hold strong stereotypes about refugees – assuming we are uneducated, unprofessional, speak poor English, or come from an “incompatible” culture. I often felt that people could only see my refugee background and not my skills, potential, or the value I could bring to their business. This invisibility is painful and deeply unfair.
That’s why I’ve made it part of my mission to challenge these assumptions. Today, as the founder of a bilingual magazine, I work mainly with other Ukrainians – not because of bias, but because our project requires fluency in both Ukrainian and English. Now I dare to speak up for all refugees, and explain why hiring displaced people is not just an act of kindness – it’s a wise, strategic decision for any business.
1. Language skills are not a weakness – they are a superpower.
Some refugees may have limited English when they arrive, but this is rarely their only language. Being multilingual means having access to a broader range of information, perspectives, and cultural insights. In today’s AI-driven, digital world, minor language barriers can be easily bridged, especially when there’s a mutual willingness to understand each other. Plus, immersion in an English-speaking environment accelerates learning far more than staying in isolated communities.
2. Refugees bring resilience, empathy, and real-world experience.
Displacement is a traumatic experience, and yes – some of us carry wounds, both visible and invisible. But it also builds extraordinary resilience. Many refugees have developed strong problem-solving skills, crisis management abilities, and deep empathy. These are invaluable traits in the modern workplace, especially in times of uncertainty and rapid change. People who’ve rebuilt their lives from nothing are not just survivors – they are deeply motivated to succeed, contribute, and grow.
3. Diversity of thought fuels innovation.
Different cultures come with different mindsets, rituals, and stories – and that’s not a threat; it’s an opportunity. A colleague with a different background can enrich your team unexpectedly. From new perspectives to creative solutions, exposure to other ways of thinking improves everyone. You can even make cultural exchange part of your workplace – organise international food days or invite colleagues to share traditions and clothing from their home countries. What starts as curiosity often becomes a connection.
4. Hiring refugees supports the economy – and your business.
Every refugee who finds employment becomes a taxpayer and a contributor to society, reducing pressure on the government system. But it’s also practical for your business: many displaced professionals already have degrees or training – and retraining someone who already has a foundation is often easier and faster than starting from zero. Even if their qualifications aren’t formally recognised, their knowledge, experience, and work ethic are still very real.
5. Motivation like you’ve never seen before.
Refugees know what it’s like to lose everything and start again. That experience often creates a profound appreciation for opportunity. When given the chance to work, most are fiercely dedicated, eager to prove themselves, and committed to personal growth. Many are actively trying to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of control and dignity – something that a meaningful job can provide.
To every business owner or hiring manager reading this: I hope you’ll consider your choice more carefully in the future and aim to give refugees an opportunity to work with you.
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