Wyoming Business Tips for Dec. 24

A weekly look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) Network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By guest columnist Matt Melinkovich, Timberline Training

“How can I improve the efficiency of my workplace as I prepare for 2018?” Robert, Torrington

Increasing workplace flow and decreasing waste will help your organization realize real profitable growth.

The “5S” method can be invaluable for reducing waste and increasing organization cleanliness to turn your workplace into a high-performing workplace:

-- Sort: Distinguish between necessary and unnecessary things. Remove items not used in the work area by classifying all equipment and materials by frequency of use to help decide if it should be removed.

-- Straighten: A place for everything, and everything in its place. Engage the practice of orderly storage so the right item can be picked efficiently at the right time.

-- Shine: Create a clean worksite without garbage, dirt and dust, and keep equipment and tools in clean condition so leaks, spills and other problems can be easily identified.

-- Standardize: Establish standards for a neat, clean workplace. Make work areas consistent with one another so any abnormalities are visible to employees and management.

-- Sustain: Develop behaviors and habits to maintain the established standards over the long term and make workplace organization the key to profitable growth.

Increasing workplace efficiency by incorporating the “5S” method into your daily work will bring immediate, incremental improvement.

Small-business owners can join Melinkovich’s webinar Jan. 4 to learn more about the basic tools to improve efficiency in the workplace. To register for “Maximize Your Workplace Efficiency,” visit the WSBDC Network website at www.wyomingsbdc.org.

Melinkovich initiated Timberline Training to educate and empower small-business owners with tools for success. As a certified innovation growth coach, a level 2 family business adviser and a Franklin Covey Speed of Trust facilitator, Melinkovich brings a wealth of knowledge and business experience on the topics of efficiency, innovation, leadership and trust.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.