What is self-discipline?

“Self-discipline” is the fifth step of the 5S method, which you can learn more about here. The fifth “S” is about improving the 5S system by developing good practices and habits of employees. In practice, self-discipline is about improving methods and areas of work performance. Most often, self-discipline is identified with the 5S system of internal audits, but in practice it is just one tool that helps improve the 5S system. In this article, you’ll learn about other methods that will allow you to improve your processes and work areas.

Tools to support the improvement of the 5S system

5S audits and 5S self-audits

These are checklists aimed at evaluating an area of work. Audits can take two forms. An area of work can be evaluated by a person specifically designated to do so, or an employee can evaluate himself. The second form is a self-audit. In practice, both forms are used. However, in larger companies, 5S audits are more popular, in which the 5S auditor evaluates work areas and the standards used, identifies potentials for improving areas and identifies risks in the area.

Employee idea system

The employee idea system is a tool that involves employees in the process of improving work areas. Direct production employees have the best knowledge of what difficulties exist in processes and often have ideas on how to solve them. It is worthwhile to create a system where employees have the opportunity to share ideas and can demonstrate their creativity. Read more about this system here!

5S training

5S training increases employee awareness. An employee who knows what 5S is all about will come up with more relevant ideas. It is worth remembering that training in the 5S method should be extended to all employees in the company – without any exception. Training for newly hired employees is especially important – they should know at the very beginning of their work what standards they must follow.

5S Boards

5S boards in work areas should include information such as:

• Basic information about the 5S method and the various steps of the method with an explanation of why to use them.
• Information on the current level of 5S implementation in the area.
• Checklists, audit forms.
• Audit schedule and audit results from all areas in the company.
• Action plan – a list with planned activities and the status of their implementation, the person responsible for their execution and the planned date of their completion.
• Layout of a given area.
• Photos showing the progress of 5S in a given area (“before/after” photos).

Promoting 5S in the organization

It is extremely important to promote the 5S system in the organization before superiors and top management. In addition, the system can be promoted through posters, flyers, informational brochures and internal newsletters.

5S motivational system

The 5S incentive system should be linked to the results of 5S audits. It’s not just about monetary rewards. Often non-salary rewards, such as team-building outings for the best area with pizza or a movie theater at company expense, work better. This further builds organizational culture in the company, employees feel appreciated and are more willing to engage in 5S improvement.

Internal benchmarking

Internal benchmarking involves mutual visits by employees from different areas of the company to share best practices in 5S. For example, employees from the warehouse area visit the production area, and employees from the production planning department visit the claims department. Such activities provide a “fresh” look at an area and suggest potentials for improvement.

„5S walkthroughs”

5S walkthroughs consist of periodic visits to various areas of the company to assess the performance of the 5S system and identify potentials for improvement. Top management is involved in 5S transitions. This gives lower-level employees a sense of the importance of the 5S system.

There are many opportunities to improve the 5S system. Limiting yourself only to 5S audits is a mistake. It is worth combining several tools and implementing some good 5S practices to achieve the best results.