{"id":17101,"date":"2024-08-27T10:00:52","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T09:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/?p=17101"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:34:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T09:34:45","slug":"improvement-in-the-workplace-with-gemba-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/en\/knowledge-base\/improvement-in-the-workplace-with-gemba-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Improvement in the workplace with Gemba Walk"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Separate management and a separate team on the shop floor: we still see it happening often. Yet decisions are often made from management without utilizing the valuable input that can be provided from the shop floor. The Gemba Walk brings about a change!<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Gemba Walk?<\/span><\/h2>\n

You only truly know what you are talking about when you have seen it with your own eyes. A Gemba Walk is precisely intended for this purpose. Gemba is Japanese for “the real place” \u2013 in this case, the shop floor. The principle of the Gemba Walk challenges management teams and leaders to go to the shop floor themselves and build a good relationship with employees while directly studying the processes. Information directly from the shop floor: that is what you need to make good strategic decisions. A Gemba Walk consists of three key components: seeing for yourself where value is created, frequently asking why something is done in a certain way, and above all, showing a lot of respect so that employees are willing to share their opinions and experiences. Or, put succinctly: <\/span>“Go see, ask why, and show respect”.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What is the goal of Go to Gemba?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The place where everything happens and where value is created is the shop floor. Yet management is often not regularly found here. That is a shame! By observing, listening, and having conversations with employees, you can discover many problems and inefficiencies in the processes. You will also better understand how the work is actually carried out and how the executing employees view these methods. And that is exactly the goal of Go to Gemba! Additionally, with Go to Gemba, you want to promote a culture of continuous improvement, with more engagement and a direct approach where problems are addressed at the source. Developing and integrating solutions with the team can only be done if everyone is familiar with the process and execution. Time to start a Gemba Walk!<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of a Gemba Walk?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A Gemba Walk offers several benefits, including improved communication between managers and employees, identifying inefficiencies, and promoting continuous improvement. By observing on the shop floor, managers gain a better understanding of the daily processes and challenges. This increases their understanding and respect for the employees’ work, fostering more connection and collaboration. Moreover, managers can see and address problems directly, leading to quicker and more effective solutions. With Gemba Lean, you are more focused on <\/span>process confirmation<\/a> because procedures can be easily followed while also making adjustments where necessary. This ensures consistency and improves the quality of processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

What steps are involved in a Gemba Walk?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Walking around the factory without a plan is not seen as a valuable Gemba Walk. To get the most out of your Gemba Walk, you can follow these Go to Gemba steps:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Preparation<\/b>: Determine the goal of the Gemba Walk and which processes or departments you want to observe. Inform the team about the intent and timing to prevent it from feeling like a surprise or inspection.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Observation<\/b>: Go to the shop floor and observe the activities without intervening. Pay attention to workflow, tools, and the work environment. Note what goes well and possible improvement points.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Asking questions<\/b>: Communicate with employees and ask open questions to gain insight into their experiences and challenges. Listen actively and show genuine interest, to encourage the employees to want to share information with you.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Analysis and reflection<\/b>: Analyze the collected information and identify patterns or problems. Reflect on the observations and jointly set improvement points.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Feedback and action<\/b>: Discuss the findings with the team and jointly create an action plan. This feedback is crucial to implement changes effectively. Then implement the improvements and follow up on progress to encourage continuous improvement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Gemba Walk checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Finding it difficult to start a Gemba Walk or afraid you will miss essential information? With this Gemba Walk checklist, you will always be on track!<\/span><\/p>\n