Boosting Business Basics: A Small Business Guide to all things Lean and OpEx
This blog series explores key concepts in Operational Excellence (OpEx), Lean methodology, and Continuous Improvement (CI) for small businesses. It covers topics such as Value Stream Mapping, the 5S methodology, the PDCA cycle, Kaizen, and Standard Work, providing practical insights to help small businesses enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver high-quality products or services.
Blog 7: What is Kaizen and How Can It Help
Your Small Business?
Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning "change for better," is a philosophy that encourages all employees to look for small, everyday improvements. This approach is particularly powerful for small businesses, where every team
member's input can significantly impact the overall operation.
Small, Incremental Changes
Focus on making minor improvements regularly rather than overhauling the entire process at once. A small law firm might encourage paralegals to find quicker ways to file documents or streamline client intake processes. For instance, they could implement a new digital filing system or create standardised templates for intake forms, reducing errors and saving time.
Employee Involvement
Encourage all employees, regardless of their role, to contribute ideas for improving their work processes. A local bakery could have regular team meetings where everyone suggests ways to improve the baking process or customer experience. This could involve brainstorming ways to optimize baking times, reduce waste, or enhance the customer experience through personalised interactions or unique offerings.
Continuous Feedback
Create a system for regularly reviewing and implementing improvement suggestions. A small marketing agency could set up a suggestion box and have monthly meetings to discuss and act on the best ideas. This could include a dedicated time during team meetings for discussing suggestions, gathering feedback on implemented changes, and recognising contributions.
By adopting a Kaizen mindset, small businesses can foster a culture of continuous improvement, where every employee feels empowered to contribute to the company's success. For example, a local hardware store could use Kaizen to continually refine its stock layout based on customer purchasing trends, making the shopping experience more intuitive and efficient. They could track popular items, analyze purchase patterns, and adjust their stock layout to make high-demand products easily accessible. They might even create visual aids or interactive displays to improve the customer experience.
