SOCIAL CHALLENGES AND TOOLS FOR THEIR SOLUTION IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF FOOD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Modern food industry enterprises in Ukraine operate under challenging socio-economic conditions, which amplifies the importance of effective human resource management. High labor intensity, multi-shift work, strict safety requirements, and a shortage of highly skilled personnel create a range of social challenges that affect motivation, engagement of talented employees, stability, and team productivity. At the same time, the influence of global factors is growing, including European integration processes, the implementation of corporate social responsibility standards, and adherence to the principles of sustainable development. Under these circumstances, corporate social policy becomes a strategic mechanism for ensuring business competitiveness and resilience. This article analyzes three contemporary HR-management models in the food industry. The classical socially oriented model, represented by the activities of Obolon JSC, ensures workforce stability through the development of occupational safety systems, employee well-being programs, efficient onboarding, and internal training. The transformational model of MHP JSC is based on leadership competency development, social inclusion, psychological support programs, and the integration of ESG approaches, which contribute to higher employee engagement and a stronger corporate culture. The digital-innovative model of Kernel-Trade LLC relies on the use of People Analytics, recruitment automation, digital learning, and personalized development trajectories, enabling greater accuracy of managerial decisions, cost optimization, and faster employee adaptation. A comparison of these models demonstrates that effective human resource management in the food industry is built upon the combination of social responsibility, human potential development, and HR-process digitalization. This approach lays the foundation for the development of a hybrid model capable of comprehensively addressing current industry social challenges and ensuring the resilience of labor teams under conditions of uncertainty and instability.