Do you know what “Seiso” means? In this article, we will explain the meaning of this Japanese word and show the importance of this concept in the organizational context, so that it effectively helps in the continuous improvement of the quality of companies.
Seiso is considered the third phase of the 5S program, which is a methodology aimed at improving the work environment in a company, having this name because it consists of 5 phases that start with the letter “S”. The 5 steps of the program are: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.
Contrary to what many think, the 5S methodology can be applied in various contexts and even in personal life. Seiso is characterized by the sense of cleanliness, care, and inspection that companies need to have to achieve better results regarding the organizational environment.
We recommend reading:
Table of Contents
Meaning of Seisou
“Seiso” 清掃 (せいそう; seisou) is a Japanese word that means “Cleaning.” The first kanji, 清, has the idea of something pure, clean, purified, and/or sprinkled. The second kanji, 掃, carries the meaning of sweeping, cleaning, and/or to sweep. Therefore, in general terms, we can define the term as “purification sweeping” or simply “cleaning,” considering that cleaning and purifying are very similar concepts.
The 5S methodology, in which “Seiso” is included, was created in Japan and greatly reflects the way of acting and thinking of the Japanese people in the post-war period, aiming to achieve perfection in all areas of life, as well as greater productive success that could boost Japanese capitalist and industrial society at that time. With the success of the methodology, Western companies began to pay attention to the model, and today it is frequently applied in various enterprises.
However, unlike Japan, Brazil is still a culturally undisciplined country, which has generated problems for the ideas proposed by this methodology to be correctly applied. Japanese perfectionism contrasts with the carelessness of many Brazilians.
Japanese Perfectionism and Extreme Cleanliness
As we have been saying, Japanese perfectionism is a very evident and impactful influence in this aspect. Seiso is also a cultural aspect of the Japanese, while cleanliness is, to this day, something appreciated by the people, as seen in the astonishing cleanliness of the streets and avenues of the country and the strict control of garbage collection and recycling. All these factors contribute to a good application of seiso.
We recommend reading:
- Why are there so few trash cans on the streets of Japan?
- Guide to Waste Separation, Collection, and Recycling in Japan
- Why do Japanese people eat raw eggs? Is it dangerous?
To give you an idea of how “obsessed” they are with the cleanliness of everything, even the eggs sold in supermarkets are inspected in a way unmatched by the rest of the world, making it almost impossible to find a hair or any dirt (even minimal) on any of them.
Each unit undergoes extremely strict control to be consumed in perfect condition, which makes Japan one of the countries with the least risk of contracting salmonella from egg yolks.
I personally find this habit very positive, as it helps prevent diseases and keep a pleasant smell in the facilities.
Seiso, Kaizen, and the 5S Methodology
It is interesting to observe that Seiso, along with the other steps of the 5S methodology (seiri, seiton, seiketsu, and shitsuke), derives from the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, better known as Kaizen. This philosophy of life can be applied both in personal life and at work in companies, as it aims for maximum and constant improvement of all processes, reducing costs and increasing effectiveness (and productivity).
We recommend reading: Kaizen – Learn about the method and how to apply it
Thus, we have that the sense of cleanliness is a very important factor for both the physical structure of a given place and the people who frequent it, as a clean environment is a harmonious and happy environment. In a society that values environmental and social harmony so much, Seiso is becoming increasingly essential.
Below, we can see what each of the elements of the 5S methodology means and how “seiso” is included in a set of steps:
- Seiton: sense of organization of the material necessary for the production of something;
- Shitsuke: refers to discipline, determination, honor, and integrity of character;
- Seiri: concept that implies the distinction between necessary and unnecessary things;
- Seiso: is related to cleanliness;
- Seiketsu: concept related to hygiene;
Note that principles such as organization, discipline, honor, and integrity of conduct are also quite emphasized.
Cleaning Vocabulary
- 清掃 (せいそう, seisou) = Cleaning, Seiso.
- 掃除する (そうじする, soji suru) = To clean.
- 清潔 (せいけつ, seiketsu) = Hygiene, Hygienic.
- 綺麗 (きれい, kirei) = Clean, Beautiful.
- ざっと掃除 (ざっとそうじ, zatto soji) = Superficial cleaning.
- 石鹼 (せっけん, sekken) = Soap.
- 布巾 (ふきん, fukin) = Cloth.
- 掃く (はく, haku) = To sweep.
- ほうき = Broom.
- 霧吹き (きりふき, kirifuki) = Spray bottle.
- 洗剤 (せんざい, senzai) = Cleaning product, Detergent.
- 洗濯 (せんたく, sentaku) = Laundry, Dirty clothes.
- 水 (みず, mizu) = Water.
- 泡 (あわ, awa) = Soap bubble, Foam.
So, did you like the article? Did you already know this term? Then comment, like, and share with your friends!
Leave a Reply