5S — Put Stuff Back Better Than You Found It
During COVID, Michael Bonney 5S'd his kitchen drawer. Sorted everything. Binned expired stuff. Sent a proud video to his wife.
She rang within 30 seconds: "STOP. This is not your area of control."
He'd missed the most critical step of 5S: involving the person.
Why 5S Fails on Building Sites
This is exactly why 5S fails on construction sites. Someone tidies the trailer while the chippy's on leave. He comes back and goes nuts. "Where's my stuff? Who moved everything?"
You can't reorganise someone's workspace without their input. That's not improvement — that's interference.
Two Mantras
"Put stuff back better than you found it."
Every time you use something, return it in better condition or better position than before.
"Be tool ready every day."
Not just the day the client visits. Not just the day the boss comes to site. EVERY day. Start each morning ready to work — tools organised, area clean, materials staged.
The 5S System
- Sort — separate what you need from what you don't
- Set in order — a place for everything, everything in its place
- Shine — clean and inspect
- Standardise — make it the same every time
- Sustain — maintain the discipline daily
About the Author
Luke Davies
Luke is the founder of Davies Design & Construction and author of Dream Home. He writes about home design philosophy, lean construction, and building businesses that put people first.
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