Igniting Excellence: 5S Your Key To Success

If you’ve delved into Lean Management, even a shallow dip is likely to have introduced you to the term “5S”. But what is 5S, and what makes 5S worth the investment of time and effort?

Originating from Japanese manufacturing practices, the 5S methodology has evolved into a keystone for achieving operational excellence and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement in organisations all over the world. In this blog, we’ll dive into the significance of 5S, its application in optimising workspaces and its transformative effects on both employees and customers. We’ll unravel the principles of 5S, drawing insights from real-world examples, including the often-overlooked mental health benefits of maintaining an organised workspace.

At its core, 5S is a systematic approach to workplace organisation. It’s about smartly arranging and setting up a workspace so that people can work better, find everything easily and operate in a safe and tidy environment. The five pillars of 5S are; Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain. These represent a structured process to enhance Safety, Quality, Efficiency and Productivity. To illustrate these principles, let’s consider an everyday kitchen:

Sort: Streamlining for Efficiency

Imagine that you’ve been in your kitchen, sifting through utensils, pots, pans and herb and spices that have a use by date of 1987! You’ve Identify essentials and donated, discarded or stored items you don’t need in the garage or loft space, creating space for what truly matters.

Set in Order: Organising for Workflow

Next up, you arrange the remaining items logically. You place frequently used utensils and pans within easy reach of the hob, or coffee mugs in the cupboard right by the kettle. You organise your kitchen to optimise workflow. You even use tupperware containers and drawer organisers to keep similar or smaller items grouped together.

Shine: Maintaining Safety and Quality

Now for the dirty work, you thoroughly clean your kitchen. You wipe down surfaces, clean appliances and sweep or hoover the floor. You might even turn the toaster upside down to get rid of the millions (and millions) of crumbs that keep falling out everywhere (or you might ignore that bit hoping someone else will do it later – I don’t condone this shocking behaviour). We know that regular maintenance ensures a hygienic and pleasant environment.

Standardise: Establishing Consistency

It’s now time to develop some routines for cleaning and organising, such as setting or agreeing a designated day for deep cleaning or a shared rota among everyone in the house. You standardise the arrangement of items, fostering consistency and making it easy for everyone to find what they need, right when they need it.

Sustain: Cultivating Continuous Improvement

Just like that, you’re on the fifth S! You make organising and cleaning a habit, a set frequent routine that you follow. You use an ingredient, you put it right back where you got it from. You spill some milk, you clean it right up. You put in mechanisms to encourage everyone to follow standards (even better if they help to create them) and regularly review and adapt the organisation system to changing needs.

While you might already implement these practices at home, the question arises: Why not apply the same principles at work? Just as an organised kitchen leads to a more efficient and enjoyable space, 5S in the workplace reduces waste, improves productivity and creates a positive environment for everyone.

Implementing 5S isn’t merely about tidying up, it’s a strategic move with profound implications. Improved efficiency, reduced waste, enhanced safety and increased employee morale are just a few of the many benefits. However, challenges like resistance to change and the need for sustained effort can impede progress. Overcoming these hurdles involves effective communication, leadership support, perseverance and a continuous emphasis on the long-term benefits of 5S.

Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation reveal that individuals with organised and clutter-free bedrooms report better sleep quality. Additionally, a study by the Psychological Association suggests that an organised environment contributes to reduced stress and anxiety levels. In my experience, organising my home space has resulted in a sense of accomplishment and reduced stress, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere. As a reluctant participant in a Sunday morning spring clean, I’ve felt the sense of accomplishment and reduced stress that accompanies an organised space. It’s another reminder that the benefits of 5S extend beyond the workplace and into our personal lives.

Having witnessed first-hand on multiple occasions the pride and ownership from employees in organisations that have completed a 5S exercise in their storage areas, the impact is profound. Brimming with pride, employees are eager to show me their end results, sustain mechanisms and plans for the next work area. It’s moments like these that drive home just how powerful Lean can be. Even in this foundational element of 5S, the impact on people’s morale, ownership and motivation is profound. It’s contagious and drives real, clear to see results.

It’s not just under the roof that benefits either, as on the customer front, the impact of 5S is tangible in improved quality, faster delivery times and increased customer satisfaction. Realising these benefits requires a holistic approach involving everyone from the shop floor to top management.

In conclusion, when applied correctly with strong sustain mechanisms, the 5S methodology is a powerful tool for organisations seeking to embed Lean principles and create a culture of continuous improvement. It’s a logical and engaging starting point, often beginning in a specific work area or department. While challenges exist, the benefits far outweigh the initial investment of time and resources. Approach 5S with dedication, involve all levels of the organisation and witness the transformative impact on efficiency, employee morale, and mental well-being.

If you’re interested in discussing how I can assist you in introducing 5S methodology into your organisation or provide support in all other areas of continuous improvement and leadership, visit www.eversolean.com or email me at matt@eversolean.com, and together we can make a change.