Continuous Improvement

Workplace Organization

Value Stream Mapping

Six Sigma for
Healthcare

Workplace Organization Module

Workplace Organization

The 6S System is a sequence of activities designed to improve workplace organization and standardization. Used effectively, it will produce clean, safe, efficient and productive work environments. These activities that all begin with the letter S includes:

• Sort – Identify and remove unnecessary items from the work area
• Set-in-Order – Organize the work area's required items and label clearly
• Shine – Clean everything and use this as a tool for inspection, quality and preventative maintenance
• Safety – Discover and resolve unsafe working conditions for patients and employees
• Standardize – Make the first 3 S’s the norm by utilizing visual displays, controls and check sheets
• Sustain – Incorporate self-discipline, training, communication, and total employee involvement/buy-in to maintain the new system

Performance Objectives

Helps Associates:

• Control the workplace instead of letting the workplace control them
• Standardize their work area using standard work designs and best practices
• Create the most efficient; productive and safe work area using their tacit knowledge
• Develop through active participation
• Produce work areas that promote cross-training capability

Course Overview

• A Better Method: A detailed overview and video help associates realize their current work area conditions and the improvement possibilities.
• Develop awareness of the current conditions, documentation requirements, perspectives and opportunities available.
• Learn system techniques and apply them to their individual work areas.
• Take ownership of the improvement process and achievements.
• Establish protocol for sustaining improvements through knowledge sharing and training.

Program Advantages

• Improve quality
• Attain work standardization
• Diminish changeover time
• Achieve work standardization
• Improve safety
• Reduce inventory cost
• Minimize cycle time
• Enhance associate morale and workplace pride