5S is a method designed to improve organization and efficiency in the workplace. It originated in Japan and was made famous by Toyota. Its name comes from five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. In English we translate them as “Sort, Organize, Shine, Standardize and Sustain”. So why are 5S so important? It simplifies both work and daily life by eliminating chaos and bringing order to everything.
As an industrial engineer, I have been using 5S for years, applying it in factories, offices and even at home. I can say this: 5S is not just a system, it is a way of life. Let’s take a look at these five steps one by one and see how they work.
Contents
What is 5S?
I mentioned earlier that 5S stands for five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. Now, let’s dive into each one in detail.
Related: What is Lean Manufacturing? Principles, Techniques, and 7 Wastes!
1. Seiri (Sort)
The first step is to clear out the clutter around you. Is there a file that’s been sitting on your desk for months? Or dusty, unused items in the warehouse? Spot them all and get rid of them. Unnecessary stuff takes up space and muddles your mind.
I was amazed when I tried this step in a factory. I found old parts in the warehouse that had been there for years—no one even knew what they were for! I sorted everything, kept what was useful, and sent the rest for recycling. The result? The warehouse felt fresh, and workers stopped wasting time searching for things. Teamwork is key here—everyone needs to weigh in on “Is this necessary?”
You can try this at home too. Check your closet and pull out clothes you haven’t worn in ages. It frees up space and feels liberating.
2. Seiton (Set in Order)
Once the unnecessary is gone, it’s time to organize. The rule is simple: everything has a place, and that place should be clear. Where’s the screwdriver? Where are the pens? If you’re spending minutes hunting for something, this step is a lifesaver.
In an office, I labeled everything—shelves for files, boxes for pens. I even used color codes: red for urgent tasks, blue for daily tools. Everyone could tell at a glance where things were. Work sped up, and “Have you seen this?” questions vanished.
I did something similar in a factory. I hung tools on the wall and labeled each one. Workers could focus on their jobs without delays. This step is the foundation of smart time management.
3. Seiso (Shine)
Cleanliness isn’t just about appearances—it’s critical for quality too. A dusty machine breaks down; a dirty desk kills motivation. This step is all about making everything spotless.
Once, on a production line, I noticed oil stains slowing down machines. We started regular cleanups, with everyone responsible for their area. The machines ran better, and the place looked great. Workers said, “It’s more livable now.” Cleanliness can transform a workplace’s vibe.
It works at home too. Keep your kitchen clean, and cooking becomes fun. This 5S step delivers big results with little effort.
4. Seiketsu (Standardize)
Order and cleanliness can’t be one-and-done. This step sets rules to keep things consistent—like “Clean your desk every day after work.”
I made a checklist so everyone knew what to do and when. After a while, “I forgot” excuses stopped because the rules stuck. With standards, things just fall into place.
In a factory, I learned that unclear rules lead to chaos—everyone does their own thing. So, I wrote everything down and posted it where all could see. No more confusion.
5. Shitsuke (Sustain)
The final step is turning all this into a habit. Without discipline, 5S falls apart. Everyone needs to follow the rules and make them second nature.
I held team meetings to explain why we were doing this. “Look, this order helps us all,” I said. I added small rewards—like coffee for the team that stuck to the rules for a month. Soon, everyone embraced it. No one leaves their desk messy anymore—it’s just how we roll.
Discipline keeps 5S going. It’s tough at first, but once it clicks, you won’t let it go.
Benefits of 5S
The benefits of 5S are incredible—not just for the workplace but for your peace of mind too. Let’s dig into them:
- Time Savings: No more wasting minutes searching for stuff. In a factory, material hunt time dropped by 30%. In an office, finding a file went from 10 minutes to 1. It’s a huge relief for you and your team.
- Productivity Boost: Less unnecessary work means less wasted energy. I saw daily output rise 20% on a production line after 5S—workers knew exactly where everything was, and the workflow smoothed out.
- Safety First: Cluttered spaces breed accidents. Once, a falling box nearly hurt someone in a warehouse. With 5S, everything stays in place, cutting risks. It protects both equipment and people.
- Morale Lift: A clean, organized space makes people happy. Workers started saying, “This feels like home.” After tidying desks in an office, everyone was all smiles. You’ll actually look forward to work.
- Cost Savings: Hoarding useless items burns money. Tossing out years-old warehouse junk freed up space and budget for new supplies. Clean machines break down less, slashing repair costs too.
- Happy Customers: An orderly workplace means top-notch work. In one project, shorter delivery times had customers raving, “You’re the best.” 5S shines even to outsiders.
I’ve lived these benefits firsthand. In a workshop, workers grumbled, “Why bother?” at first. A month later, they were sold—“Glad we did this.” Jobs got easier, stress melted away. 5S proves itself in numbers and smiles.
How to Implement 5S?
Wondering, “How do I start 5S?” Here’s a detailed roadmap—follow it, and you’ll go from zero to amazing results:
- Form a Team and Set a Goal: You can’t do it solo—you need a crew. Everyone’s input matters. Start by asking, “What are we fixing?” In a factory, I picked the warehouse since it got the most gripes. I rallied the team and said, “Our goal: freshen up this space.”
- Assess the Scene: Look around—what’s there, what’s missing? Take inventory. I jotted down everything: “What’s in this box? Does this tool work?” It’s crucial for spotting the junk. I even snapped before pics to compare later.
- Train the Team: Explain 5S to everyone. I told them, “This isn’t just cleaning—it’s about easing our work.” I walked through each step with examples. People won’t buy in without understanding.
- Get to Work: Take it slow, step by step. We ditched the useless stuff first, then organized what stayed. We set a cleanup day—everyone chipped in. I loved arranging screwdrivers, knowing the payoff would rock.
- Set Standards: Make rules. We decided, “Fridays are cleanup days.” I created a checklist: “Desk clear? Tools in place?” Everyone knew their role.
- Check and Chat: Keep tabs on the order. I did weekly walk-throughs, noting gaps. I asked the team, “How’s it going? Anything off?” Their feedback fine-tuned the system.
- Build Habits: Patience is key. Some forgot at first, but I nudged them. Soon, messy desks were history. People even said, “I can’t work without 5S now.”
In an office, I kicked off with one corner. A week later, everyone begged, “Let’s keep going!” It spread floor-wide. Start small, stick with it—that’s the trick.
Videos Related to Just in Time
We recommend a video on 5S methodology for you to watch. You can learn about 5S by watching this video. You can click HERE for more videos.