Oleg Shilovsky expresses his team-oriented mindset, emphasizing the significance of involving and collaborating with the entire team.
Modern Businesses Evolve to Embrace Societal Responsibility, Claims Oleg Shilovskikh
Every business, regardless of sector, contributes to society and bears a social responsibility, asserts Oleg Shilovskikh, the director of the Yekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye and a Merited Doctor of Russia. In this exclusive interview, he discusses how his organization upholds its social responsibility, the importance of nurturing employees, and the unique entrepreneurial spirit in the Ural region.
What defines a socially responsible business?
Businesses play an essential role in society, and they are expected to go beyond simply paying taxes and creating jobs. Take the Yekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye, for example. We perform thousands of surgeries annually under the state guarantee program, providing essential healthcare services to the community, free of charge for patients. However, we don't stop there. Over the years, we’ve also supported a kindergarten for visually impaired children, improving their living conditions, and assisting them in various ways. This is the external aspect of our social responsibility.
Internally, it's crucial to prioritize employee well-being. A positive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive compensation are vital for attracting and retaining talented individuals. We’re not just about the capital; we seek to create a supportive and empowering space for our employees.
Can one measure up to another's idea of social responsibility?
Perhaps not, but I believe a golden rule—treat others as you would like to be treated—can serve as a guide. Our clinic has a low staff turnover, with many employees' children working at the Center, even in leadership positions. This speaks volumes about the respect we show our team members and the value we place on their contributions.
The Power of Collective Creativity
For me, collaboration is key to driving innovation. Teamwork reduces risks, fosters collective achievements, and creates a supportive atmosphere that motivates individuals to excel. To promote collective creativity, we provide various social incentives and provide the right conditions for our staff to develop their ideas.
From Humble Beginnings to a Socially Responsible Enterprise
The Yekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye has gradually evolved into a socially responsible business. Initially, our efforts were modest, with discounted meals for employees in the 1990s being our only social program. Over time, however, our initiatives have expanded, including subsidies for sanatorium treatment for employees and their children,group trips abroad, and ongoing support for our medical hockey team and revived vocal-instrumental ensemble.
Today, we offer corporate pensions to our employees, fund our sponsored kindergarten, and are committed to investing in the well-being and development of our team. Each of these social programs reflects our conviction that a good salary alone is not enough – a comfortable and supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and an appreciation for each employee's contributions are essential ingredients for a fulfilling career.
Investing in the Future
By prioritizing employee development and creating a nurturing environment, we are laying the groundwork for continued growth and success. Our team’s creativity, energy, and dedication are driving forces behind our ongoing projects, and their efforts are rewarded through recognition and financial incentives.
Braking Barriers Through Partnerships
Our success is not limited to our Yekaterinburg base. We’ve formed strategic partnerships with companies like UGMK and "Atomstroycomplex," collaborating on numerous socially significant projects in the region. This collaborative approach allows us to expand our reach and make ophthalmological care more accessible to people across the Ural region.
The Spirit of Ural Entrepreneurship
Ural and Yekaterinburg are known as business hubs, and there’s a shared belief that the area hosts a unique entrepreneurial spirit. I believe that the entrepreneurial boom in the Ural region is the result of the region’s historical appeal to enterprising individuals who sought opportunities in the natural resource sector. These early settlers formed a significant, business-oriented group that contributed to the region's economic and social development.
Finally, Why Become an Entrepreneur?
I’ve never considered myself a businessman; I simply strive to drive the business forward. I view my role as one of collaboration, where everyone contributes to the organization's overall success and the team makes critical decisions together. Our compensation system is transparent and rewards employees based on their performance and commitment. I believe that by working together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our community and the world.
This interview was conducted by Sergei Druzhin and transcribed by Victoria Govorkovskaia. Photos provided by the Ekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye
Additional Insights:
Socially responsible businesses strive to balance profits with a commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, community engagement, transparency, ethical supply chain management, innovation, customer relations, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. By prioritizing these values, organizations can create a positive social and environmental impact while continuing to thrive.
As for the Ural region, it's worth noting that the area has a rich history of immigration, with many people arriving from different parts of Russia seeking opportunities in the natural resource sector. This influx of enterprising individuals contributed to the formation of a significant business class in the Ural region, which, in turn, played a crucial role in the area's economic and social development. Today, this entrepreneurial spirit persists, driving growth, innovation, and community involvement.
- In the Yekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye, a socially responsible business, the emphasis is not only on financial aspects but also on contributions to the community, such as providing essential healthcare services free of charge and supporting a kindergarten for visually impaired children.
- As an example of collective creativity within a socially responsible enterprise, the Yekaterinburg Center of Microsurgery of the Eye, has fostered innovation through teamwork, reducing risks, encouraging collective achievements, and providing the right conditions for their staff to develop their ideas.
