5S Sustain 3 Tips to Help Employees Stick With the 5S Process

After a successful implementation, the next step is to maintain the new standards. The Sustain phase is often the most challenging. This is when employees must continually practice the first three steps to keep them fresh. It requires extensive communication and training to keep the system up and running smoothly. Eventually, the workers will be familiar with the 5S process. Here are some tips to help them sustain the system. The Sustain process is the foundation for 5S.

Establish a 5S committee made up of employees, supervisors, and managers. The committee should oversee the program for a specified period. It should listen to employee feedback and take suggestions seriously. In order to encourage employees to stick with the program, it is important to create a visible example for each employee. Posters and pictures of the space can serve as a constant reminder of the value of implementing 5S. These will ensure that every employee is doing their part to improve the workplace.

Implementation is important but not sufficient without the implementation of a proper 5S program. The 5S principles are to be followed daily and not merely slapped on the wall. Keeping the process going requires continuous diligence and accountability. Taking the time to audit the program is a great way to reinforce its value and ensure its success. It also gives employees the opportunity to recognize their own efforts and celebrate the achievements of others.

Ensure that everyone is motivated to adopt the new ways of working. Lean Champions have learned that human beings resist change when they are forced upon to do something they don't want to do. Fortunately, when people feel invested in the change, they usually accept it. That's what will make your organization a 5S success story. So, be sure to implement the changes that will lead to a healthy work environment.

The 5S methodology is applicable to any type of workplace, from an office to a hospital or medical clinic. If there's a cluttered sink, an office can keep its supplies organized by removing expired foods. When implemented correctly, 5S can increase workplace efficiency and safety. And while there's no substitute for good organization, 5S can also reduce the stress of employees and reduce the training time of new hires.

If a company wants to sustain the benefits of 5S, they should align it with the organization's performance goals. Specifically, a company should be looking to reduce set up time and increase pounds per labor hour. This will help people appreciate the value of 5S more than they would otherwise. Lack of specific performance goals and a lack of interest in these goals can also hinder the implementation of 5S. And finally, if people don't think it's useful, they're unlikely to keep applying it.

Another benefit of 5S is that it encourages people to take responsibility for their work area. Keeping a work area clean is important because it makes it easier to see and fix any problems. Clean work areas are less likely to suffer from accidents, reducing downtime and lowering costs. It's also easier to identify potential problems if your employees are not being aware of them. You'll notice fewer accidents if everyone is responsible for keeping the space clean.

The next step in the 5S process is standardize. By establishing a consistent process for doing the tasks, workers will be more likely to apply the principles of 5S. The tools for standardization include visual cues, five-minute 5S periods, and check lists.  5S implementation  for sustaining 5S efforts are often a job cycle chart, visual cues, or checklists. The process also requires that workers are regularly evaluated for their progress and application of the principles.

Keeping a 5S map is another essential element of a successful training. This visual cue will serve as a visual reference and can help employees learn how to properly handle waste, work with hazardous materials, and respond to emergencies. The 5S map may also include a description of the work area, such as where tools, supplies, and workers should be located. Once the map is complete, it should be used as a training tool, updated regularly, and used for future reference.