For an organization wishing to improve employee participation and a more employee managed environment, 5S is an easy and effective first step.  The essence of employee involvement is to create employee ownership of the work place. What better beginning than to implement a process designed to give employees substantial input into the environment they work in every day?

5S implemented is a grass roots driven process.  Employees first identify what they need and what they don’t need in order to do their work.  Every organization has equipment that doesn’t belong, material that is no longer required and simple junk scattered throughout their organization. Generally this material is off management’s radar because it is not part of daily activities.

5S through this initial ‘Red Tag” process lets employees identify this material and immediately move it out of their way.  This immediately begins to develop in the employees an understanding and belief that they are taking control of their work environment into their own hands.

Cleaning Up, the thorough cleaning of the workplace, is the second step.  This process if done well can create a new level of pride in the workplace.  If employees are involved in the planning and the implementation of the cleanup, they come away with pride in the new workplace that they created.

Step three is the organization of the workplace.  As the saying goes, a place for everything, and everything in its place.  This step also provides lots of opportunities for innovation in signage, communication and process monitoring.  The work place can end up brighter, cleaner, better organized and far more efficient.  If employees are actively involved in the process, there is a greater pride in the finished product.

And, if employees have been actively participating in the first three steps, the last two, development of processes and procedures to ensure consistent application of work methods, and on-going 5 minute 5S to maintain the new environment, help maintain their support and involvement.

* There are only 4 requirements to make this new environment and this new employee commitment a reality:
* Train employees sufficiently, so that they can effectively participate
* Let the employees fully participate in a real partnership with     management.
* Provide the resources required
* Get management participation as guides, mentors and cheer leaders.