Waste Not, Want Not: How Workplace Waste is About More than Recycling

Published on January 4, 2017 |

When trying to create a waste-free work environment, many of today’s business owners focus on the obvious. They may provide access to a water filtration system instead of water bottles, promote electronic document sharing versus printing, and set up recycling protocols to keep workspaces clean.

While reducing physical waste is great for the environment, businesses can also reduce other kinds of waste, which is great for the bottom line. 

Information Waste

With increased technology use, workers spend a great deal of time trying to navigate information that may or may not be related to their assignment. Businesses can cut down on this wasted time by helping employees find essential information faster. To do this, streamline data structures and archive older files so workers can find exactly what they’re looking for at any given time.

Process Waste

When you receive an assignment but you’re required to wait for instructions from a busy coworker or need approval before moving forward, you’re experiencing process waste. To eliminate this waste, find and repair any snags in the workflow and improve interdepartmental communication.

Productivity Waste 

Enter meetings with an agenda and highlight clear takeaways to avoid wasting employees’ work time. Make an effort to properly utilize talents in order to keep employees engaged. Failing to engage employees or make good use of their time can lead to higher turnover, which is a tremendous waste of invested time and resources.