Have you ever wondered why companies insist that their employees keep their workplaces clean? A dirty workplace is not only a terrible place to work, it also reduces productivity and efficiency. Cleaning up after a day’s work is just as important as what you do for a living.
Japanese companies innovated a productivity philosophy called “5S”, which are five Japanese words that refer to a methodology not only for cleaning, but also for business. The 5S methodology is all about eliminating waste, speeding up daily tasks and improving the quality of the workplace. You can use the 5S methodology to help you organize your tasks at the end of each working day.
Seiri (Ranking)
Check everything in your workplace. Check your shelves, desks, and even the file structures on your office computer. Keep only the items you need at work and throw away or store everything else. Sorting and storing reduces the time you spend searching for a particular pencil, notepad, or file on your computer, which means you can spend more time on work.
Seiton (arranged)
“Put in order” means that there is a place for everything, and everything must be in its place. After a day at work, take the time to see if your writing materials, tools, notes, and files are in the correct and correct order. It also means you can improve workflow for the next business day.
Seiso (Sweep)
At the end of each work day, take the time to clean your office space. Clean up after any mess you make. Not only should you do this out of politeness, but “seiso” also means that you know the exact location of everything you need to work on. It also means that when you walk into a clean office, you should work and walk out in a clean office.
Seiketsu (Standardization)
Almost all companies have a standardized manual on company behavior and workplace cleanliness. If your company assigns housekeeping duties, you need to know exactly what you are supposed to do and stick to that role for the particular task.
shitsuke (maintenance)
A consistent and productive workplace is not a one-day affair just because the boss or a few potential clients are around. Keeping your tasks clean is important to improve productivity and increase employee satisfaction. Remember that if you can’t hold 5S, you have to start over.
The 5S system may sound simple, but it requires dedication and commitment. With 5S, you can be sure to complete your office cleaning tasks in no time.