Learn how the 5S methodology can transform the work environment

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The 5S methodology originated in Japan after the Second World War. The country was in crisis and needed actions to increase productivity.

The program was initially created to improve the production environment, organize materials, methods, equipment and employees. This made it possible to optimize the space needed to produce and reduce waste in companies.

Let's take a closer look at what the 5S methodology is , its benefits, applicability and practical and visible results.

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What is the 5S methodology and its benefits?
This methodology, as mentioned above, is linked to Japanese thinking. All five arguments used begin with the letter 's', hence the 5S methodology .

Initially, the method was focused and used only to improve the production environment. In other words, its objective was to organize the teams, materials, processes and machinery used in industries.

In effect, through this technique, spaces were optimized, improving the work environment, increasing productivity and reducing waste.

Currently, the methodology has evolved and is now used in different aspects of a company, not only to organize production, but mainly for the management and control of organizational processes.

Let’s look below separately at what each of the “s” used in the methodology means.

Seiri – (Sense of Use, Selection, Disposal, Classification, Organization)
In this topic, we seek to clearly identify what is really necessary to carry out the proposed activities and definitively eliminate what is not. In this way, we will use the sense of selection and discard.

To make things easier, we can use some questions to guide us on the meaning of using something.

We can ask ourselves, for example: how often is a certain piece of equipment used in the process? Is it really necessary? What impact will it have if it stops being used?

Seiton – (Sense of Order, Tidying, Layout, Organization)
Its essential function is to organize the environment or process. Everyone involved in the process must know where and how to find what is needed in order to carry out the activities.

The more organized the environment is, the less time and energy will be spent finding a specific object or direction. This way, employee productivity increases substantially, as they will spend time on what really matters.

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Seiso – (Sense of Cleanliness, Inspection, Care)
The 5S method believes that cleaning should be everyone's responsibility, not just the team hired specifically for this service.

Therefore, all employees must take care of the environments, keeping them clean and organized. This concept also includes the appearance of employees, that is, employees must always wear clean clothes and present themselves appropriately.

Seiktsu – (Sense of Standardization and Systematization)
Let us now move on to the sense of normalization and standardization. It is related to the idea of ​​making the implementation of the previous senses automatic. In other words, making Seiri, Seiton and Seiso become an integral part of the company culture.

For this to happen and for these principles to become habits, we need to create processes and standards that all employees follow.

This will make it possible to raise awareness among teams so that they understand the advantages of these practices.

Shitsuke – (Sense of Discipline, Self-Discipline, Self-Control, Respect)
Finally, we come to the sense of discipline. Discipline is key to developing and maintaining new habits, so it is essential that this sense is encouraged in employees.

Only in this way will they be ready to absorb and integrate the company's processes, with responsibility and discipline. We know that new habits take a while to develop, so it is very important to be patient and motivate employees so that they do not give up.

Managers in particular must always follow all the rules, as they will always serve as a model for their employees to follow.