5S

整理・整頓・清掃・清潔・躾

5S is a workplace organization methodology with roots in Japanese manufacturing. Like many Japanese concepts adopted by Western business, it's often implemented without understanding the philosophy beneath the technique.

The Five Principles

Seiri (整理) — Sort. Remove what isn't needed. Distinguish between necessary and unnecessary.

Seiton (整頓) — Set in order. A place for everything, everything in its place. Arrangement that enables efficiency.

Seiso (清掃) — Shine. Clean the workspace. Cleaning as inspection—you notice problems when you clean.

Seiketsu (清潔) — Standardize. Create systems to maintain the first three. Make the right way the easy way.

Shitsuke (躾) — Sustain. Discipline to maintain standards. The hardest step—entropy is constant.

Beyond the Factory

5S applies wherever you work. Your desk. Your digital files. Your code repository. The principle is universal: clarity of environment enables clarity of thought.

Clutter is deferred decisions. Organization is decisions made visible.