Organization in Your Workplace

I am continually surprised by the number of manufacturers that have gone out of business after a substantial period of enjoying financial prosperity. I find myself asking over and over: “What series of events and conditions occurred to drive this thriving company out of business?”

I've referenced black-and-white photos showing workers alongside industrial equipment and machinery. Maybe it's the nature of those vintage photos—but the environments always appear dark, dirty, and dangerous. Did poor workplace organization undermine efficiency and productivity enough to contribute to their downfall? Disorganization may not have been the sole reason for failure, but I'm convinced it played a significant role.

The Cost of Disorganization

The importance of creating and maintaining an organized workplace is as critical today as at any point in manufacturing history. No manufacturing business can afford the waste created by disorganization. Consider factors out of our control—like the fluctuating tariff environment in North America. Tariffs on, tariffs off, modified daily—these external shifts are beyond the control of owners and leaders. That’s why focus must be placed on the things we *can* control. Workplace organization is one of them.

Avoid any sense of helplessness and take daily action. Make workplace organization a shared priority. Call it 5S, 6S, Safety2, or a company-specific name—it’s not the label that matters, but the action. Ownership and consistency lead to real impact.

Some Keys to Getting Started with Workplace Organization

1. Be Able to Explain Why It Is Important

   If your workspaces aren't organized—with everything needed for quality work present and unnecessary items removed—you’re operating with waste. Clarity and purpose are the first steps toward eliminating it.

2. Scope the Size of Areas for Success

   Define small, manageable areas that teams can impact in just two days. Quick wins build momentum and make progress tangible.

3. Make and Work a Storyboard

   Skip the motivational huddle and instead develop a storyboard that documents progress. Assign team members responsibility for updating specific elements—accountability turns plans into results.

4. Celebrate Achievements

   You don’t need a parade, but you do need recognition. Share before-and-after photos with employees to establish new operating standards and show the value of their efforts.

5. Get Help Getting Started

   External guidance can jump-start your journey with proven approaches that drive results quickly. Don’t be afraid to bring in support that keeps your momentum moving forward.

Build Your Foundation

Think of workplace organization as the foundation of a successful, profitable manufacturing business. Its greatest strength? It’s fully within your control as a leader.

Organization helps eliminate the most dangerous kind of waste—hidden waste. Don’t hesitate to invest time and money into building a strong foundation. And if you’re unsure how to begin, seek guidance from experienced practitioners who can help you get started today.

As Apollo Creed emphatically told Rocky: “There is no tomorrow.” Get started now.