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What is Kaizen in simple words?
Kaizen, a Japanese word for continuous improvement, also means “change for the better” and is a set of practices.
When applied in the workplace, Kaizen refers to activities that promote employee improvement. It also applies to processes such as purchasing and logistics, which expand the organizational limits of the supply chain.
It is only successful when all departments and workers in the enterprise are engaged and focused on a single goal. In other words, Kaizen advocates continuous improvement and the idea that no day should go by without something being improved.
This work system was based on the elimination of waste, the improvement of processes, and the continuous maintenance of machines and equipment. It also has the following goals:
- financial and emotional stability
- a pleasant organizational climate
- a work environment that is simple, functional, and organized.
Which country is Kaizen from?
The method was implemented in Japanese companies for the first time after the Second World War. After the end of the conflict, the country’s economy was devastated and faced major problems growing and prospering. Because of the strict labor laws imposed by the Allies, little progress was made between 1945 and 1952.
Over the years, workers obtained better working conditions, securing advantages and more adequate earnings. As time went by, industrial and administrative processes adopted the Kaizen methodology.
Why is Kaizen important?
With a differentiated view of relationships in the business environment, Kaizen can be the answer for companies that want to increase productivity, reduce costs, and integrate teams. It is not limited to one-off events, but should be a daily practice, aligned with the principles of the Kaizen Institute, promoting strategic and sustainable changes.
What are the goals of Kaizen?
Well-implemented Kaizen continuously seeks to prevent or stop the unexpected from happening, reacting to defects, failures, accidents, or process deviations that occur in routine operations.
In this way, Kaizen is not only intended to maintain standards, but also to raise the level of challenges.
The 5S method is one of the foundations of this methodology’s success. Kaizen can be applied at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to top management. The method seeks continuous improvements every day, ensuring that no opportunity for enhancement is wasted. It is divided into five principles. See below the 5 principles of Kaizen:
SEIRI – Sort
This involves the use of tools and equipment that are appropriate to management needs. It also emphasizes the disposal or relocation of everything that is not being used in activities. In this way, cleaning processes are facilitated, physical space is better utilized, and maintenance costs for parts are reduced.
SEITON – Set in Order
An organized work environment is essential for the success of any business, and it could not be different for Kaizen.
Wasting time looking for a document or a work tool only hinders decision-making and team performance. Therefore, this Sense ensures process improvement and makes everyone faster.
Creating a standard for storing and organizing these items gives everyone more autonomy in their roles. Boards and labels can also help keep all those involved constantly alert.
Time savings are one of the main advantages of this Kaizen stage, as well as the ease of locating tools and the reduction of accidents.
SEISO – Shine
Cleaning is another essential issue for process improvement. Working in a dirty, dusty environment hinders the development of activities and puts employees’ health at risk. This Sense defines the importance of eliminating waste, dirt, and foreign objects in your company.
Moreover, this idea is not limited to the physical aspect. It should be implemented in relationships between employees. Honesty, transparency, and respect in any type of dialogue make everyone feel more comfortable and secure.
Thus, when something is wrong in any activity, anyone has the freedom to express their opinion and propose solutions that improve the results obtained.
SEIKETSU – Standardize
Ergonomic and health-related problems need to be eliminated in all areas of the company. Therefore, this concept is related to the standardization of colors, lighting, shapes, and signs.
Imagine if each area of your company had different symbols and warnings. Whenever an employee arrived in a new work area, they would feel lost and would be much more likely to have an accident.
Its main advantages are:
- ease of locating and identifying objects and equipment
- improvement of common areas (restrooms, corridors, and cafeterias)
- physical and mental balance
- improved safety conditions
SHITSUKE – Sustain
As it is the last stage, it is indispensable for the success of the Kaizen methodology. It is defined by complying with everything that was previously planned and instructed. Therefore, all employees in the business must be committed to performing their functions very efficiently. When this happens, results are optimized even without supervision by managers and leaders.
Kaizen in practice
A sustainable and competitive business adopts Kaizen as the basis of its organizational philosophy. The method not only maintains standards, but also raises challenges, preventing failures and reacting proactively to problems.
In addition, Kaizen values employees’ personal lives, promoting a balanced and healthy work environment. This directly impacts productivity and the organization’s success.
The application of Kaizen makes everyone feel responsible for the success of management. At such times, each of your employees must understand their role within the organization and know how they can improve the results obtained.
In all situations, it is necessary to perform planning that creates these opportunities and gives employees freedom. The use of management and control software facilitates the understanding of data and the analysis of information. As a result, all parts and people will always be in balance, in accordance with the Kaizen doctrine.
As you can see, a sustainable business with positive numbers is concerned with the employees’ quality of life.
Since the consumer market is highly competitive, the Kaizen methodology enables you to increase the quality of services.
So, are you interested in applying this idea to your company? Get in touch with us and request a demo!
