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An introduction to Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke

An introduction to Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke

No, these are not cute mascots for a Japanese sporting event, they are collectively known as the 5S methodology - a programme for developing efficiency and organisation in the workplace.

5S is accepted in Japan as a methodology that produces a safer, more efficient, and more productive workplace, improving motivation and engagement as a result. Implementing it in your workplace brings about clarity, best practice, and efficient workflows and processes, but most of all, it is implemented with an aim to boosting business efficiency through increased productivity.

So, here is Connection's introduction to the 5S methodology, and how we think it relates to us as HR professionals.

Seiri - tidiness

Seiri is the act of throwing out everything that is unwanted or unnecessary in the workplace, and requires ruthlesness in its approach. There must be no regret over what is thrown away, and even items that are necessary must be kept to a minimum.

The application of Seiri can be likened to a clear desk policy in the West, helping simplify tasks, making best use of available space, and in turn, increasing focus. For HR, it could mean removing outdated policies and procedures - those that have no relevance to your current workplace.

Seiton - everything in its right place

Seiton builds on Seiri, and consists of putting everything in its right place, for quick and easy access. No one does this better than HR, so most of us will be putting a huge tick in the box here. Indeed, implementing Employee Self Service in your organisation is a form of Seiton - everyone has quick and easy access to documents and tools, and everyone knows where to go. The result? Increased productivity, whether it relates to on-desk or online.

Seiso - see the workplace through the eyes of a visitor

The third step is more of a mind-shift, and requires that everyone see the workplace through the eyes of a visitor. What impression would the workplace make on someone who is visiting it for the first time? Literally, this could mean that everyone helps out with the cleaning (and we all know that's not going to happen), but metaphorically, this could have implications for your on-boarding processes. Is the workplace welcoming? Is your induction process ensuring that every new starter integrates the company quickly? Seiso says that 'everyone is involved in cleaning up the workplace', but implies that everyone is involved in making the workplace welcoming.

Seiketsu - standardisation

HR loves standardisation, so Seiketsu should be easy. Literally, it means a 'standardised clean-up', and consists in measuring, maintaining and ensuring visible cleanliness. However, it extends beyond a standardisation of, say, dress codes, and relies on HR to standardise workflows and processes, making them more efficient and correcting any abnormalities.

Equally, there is an element of employer brand within Seiketsu. Seiketsu preaches colour standardisation, which at first glance appears a little dictatorial, but those organisations who recognise the importance of a clarity in employer brand, not just in colour but in consistency of message, reap the rewards in talent acquisition and retention.

Shitsuke - discipline

Shitsuke literally means discipline, but in the HR world can be accepted as 'best practice'. In an ideal world, employees will follow processes and procedures, knowing where to go for information and knowing their employer brand and values, without having to ask or be reminded. In an even more ideal world, this would mean that HR is freed from administrative tasks and fielding queries!

So, Shitsuke involves all of the first four S's, and looks to set an organisation towards even higher levels of productivity and engagement by reinforcing the 5S process daily.