Last year, 54% of employers supported their employees' participation in defense forces or Kaitseliit training sessions. This is more than in 2024, when the support was 37%. The study ordered by the Ministry of Defense was conducted by LevelLab OÜ.
Representative of the Ministry of Defense Markus Rosin said that national defense is a joint task. Employers must participate in it. The study shows that the number of training sessions is increasing, and employers' support is also growing.
There is a difference between public and private sector employers. In the public sector, 60% of employers supported employee participation, while in the private sector, the support was 53%. The indicators have become more positive.
Last year, 78% of employers said they had no problems with employee participation. In the public sector, this number was 91%, while in the private sector it was 77%. There are also more employers who are willing to compensate employees for their salaries during training or provide paid leave.
Last year, 30% of employers said they would definitely compensate employees. 51% said they were likely to compensate. In 2024, the corresponding figures were 29% and 41%.
LevelLab representative Tauno Õunapuu said that employers see benefits from employees' participation in the defense forces. The experience gained from military service helps employees to work successfully.
The research firm LevelLab surveyed 587 employers. The results were analyzed based on the number of employees, sector, and region. Employers responded to the survey enthusiastically, which shows their positive attitude towards national defense activities.