“London, goodby”: the British came to the Urals to look for extravagance, but a lunch for 150 rubles plunged him into shock

58-year-old auditor from London Jock Mendoza-Wilson came to the Ural metallurgical plant to check the costs of the enterprise and find opportunities for savings. However, on the first day of the trip, he faced what he did not expect, writes Zen channel “Russia, which is not shown”.

During the lunch break, the Briton was invited to the factory dining room. On the menu were borscht with sour cream, patties with mashed potatoes, bread and compote. But most of all, Joka was surprised by the price: a full-fledged hot lunch cost the employee only 150 rubles.

The auditor asked if this was the final cost. In London, for such a sum, he said, it would be difficult to buy even a regular snack.

The management of the plant explained that the company compensates about 80% of the cost of food for employees. Metallurgists work in difficult conditions, so the opportunity to have a full lunch here is considered an important part of staff care.

But the discovery of the British did not end there. During a tour of the enterprise, Joku was shown the health unit. Doctors worked there, ultrasound, dentistry and physiotherapy rooms were equipped, as well as their own laboratory. Staff members were able to undergo annual examinations free of charge and receive additional medical care if necessary.

In addition, the company together with the trade union compensated a significant part of the cost of vouchers to the country dispensary.

Jock used to evaluate such costs primarily in terms of financial efficiency. What he saw, however, made him wonder whether cutting costs was always a real benefit.

Later, the Briton recalled how life in industrial cities in the UK changed after the closure of factories and the reduction of social support for workers. In the Urals, he saw a different approach: the company invested not only in production, but also in the nutrition, health and rest of employees.

Before leaving, the auditor had to complete a report with recommendations for reducing costs. But now he was no longer sure that social programs should be considered an extra burden on the budget.

This trip changed his view of industrial management. Jock came to look for opportunities for savings, and left with the idea that the financial indicators are people on whom the work of the entire production depends.