Gemba Walks, these floor tours that consist of observing and understanding the work processes directly on the ground, provide a valuable opportunity for collaboration between employees and managers.
By actively involving employees at all levels of the organization, not only do we promote better communication, But it also allows for a more precise identification of opportunities for improvement. Collaboration on the floor strengthens employee engagement, which can lead to significant improvements in productivity, quality and safety.
Tips for engaging employees
For Gemba Walks to be truly effective, it is essential that employees feel engaged and motivated to contribute. Here are some practical tips:
1. Building Trust
Before we start, it is crucial to explain the purpose of the Gemba Walks to employees. Make sure they understand that the goal is to improve processes, not to monitor or criticize them. By building trust, you foster open and honest participation.
2. Encourage feedback from experience
Ask employees to share their ideas and observations. Ask specific questions such as “What obstacles do you encounter in your daily work?” or “What changes do you think could improve your efficiency?”. By actively listening to their feedback, you show that their opinion is valued and taken into account.
3. Train the leaders of the organization
Engage executives and managers in the Gemba Walks by training them on process observation and analysis. Their presence and active participation shows the importance of these tours and encourages employees to follow their example.
4. Recognize and reward contributions
When employees come up with ideas or solutions that lead to tangible improvements, recognize and reward their contributions. This can take the form of public acknowledgements, small bonuses or even career advancement opportunities. This recognition strengthens motivation and encourages others to actively participate.
Significant results
By encouraging employees to identify inefficiencies in their workflow, a manufacturing company can reduce cycle times by 15%. Plus Suggestions for improving safety can lead to a reduction of about 20% in accidents at work.
In another company, quality control employees who propose changes to the control equipment would lead to a reduction of production defects by approximately 10%.
The active and recurring involvement of employees during the Gemba Walks can lead to a reduction in downtime of 20% for a manufacturing plant, Thus increasing productivity and profits.
Engaging and motivating employees at the Gemba Walks is a valuable investment for any company. By actively listening, recognizing contributions and offering development opportunities, you can create a dynamic and productive work environment. Never underestimate the power of collaboration on the floor.
Ready to transform your Gemba Walks? Contact us today to learn how our solution can help your business maximize the engagement and efficiency of your teams.