Implementing LEAN principles promises greater efficiency, less waste and better results. However, for any LEAN initiative to truly succeed, it is essential that all employees across the organization are involved – from management to those who carry out day-to-day operations. Why is employee engagement so crucial and how can it be achieved?
Sustainable change comes from the bottom
The LEAN philosophy is not just about implementing new processes, it’s also about changing mindsets. Changes that come from the top can be effective at first, but often fail if they are not supported by those who implement them on a daily basis. If employees don’t feel the sense and benefits of the new methodology, they are likely to stick with old practices or remain resistant to change.
That’s why engagement is key: employees who are actively involved in designing and implementing change understand its purpose and see the benefits not only for the company but for themselves as well. The result is permanent change that becomes part of the company culture.
How to gain the support and active participation of employees?
- Education and training: The first step is to ensure that all employees understand LEAN principles and their benefits. Clear and open communication about how LEAN contributes to an improved work environment is essential. Offer training that is practical and tailored to the real situations the team faces.
- Involvement in the decision-making process: Employees who are actively involved in finding solutions are much more motivated to implement these changes. Include them in process mapping and waste analysis – this will not only increase their involvement, but also provide valuable insight from those who work in specific areas on a daily basis.
- Leadership by example: Managers should lead by example. If management actively supports LEAN and shows that they are willing to listen to feedback and adapt to change, employees will be more motivated to join in. Trust between the team and management is critical to the success of any change.
- Celebrate small and big successes: Change is not quick, but even small steps should be appreciated. Point to specific results, mention the successes of individuals or teams and recognize their efforts. This will reinforce positive feedback and encourage others to get involved too.
- Ongoing communication and feedback: Change is not a one-time event, so it is important to continuously communicate how the LEAN process is evolving. Providing a space for regular feedback and adaptation based on experience helps to increase engagement.
Techniques that can help with engagement
- Kaizen workshops: Creating spaces where employees can come up with ideas for improvement not only helps to increase engagement, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
- Gemba walk: This approach, where managers go directly to the place where processes are happening, helps them understand the challenges and also creates a space for open discussion with employees.
- 5x Why : Explain the issues and analyze them with employees. This simple technique of asking „Why?“ five times about the cause of the problem leads to a better understanding of the rootcause of the issues.