3 replies to this topic

[k_mclaughlin]

My name is Kelly McLaughlin. I currently work for a company that is SQF certified with our plant audit occurring this month. I am looking for ways to improve upon our current procedures. Some of my struggle is more employee related. Our format for procedures is very dry and sometimes difficult for them to understand.

[olenazh]

Go simple and pictorial - but understandable, that's your goal 

[SQFconsultant]

Good afternoon and welcome Kelly - make it fun and give your employees some buy in - prizes, bonuses, etc.

[TimG]

Hi Kelly, I agree with both the simplification and buy in suggestions. 

I'd add, keep your finger on the culture. I've been in manufacturing sites where prizes, etc. are laughed at and not taken seriously. I've also been in distribution centers where they LOVED things like this.

I would try to combine the two above suggestions. Create a list of 'trouble' procedures. Recruit a couple average Joe/Jill's from the employee group, specifically ones that might seem to be struggling (Get the OK from their supervisor/managers).Tell them you need their help to make the procedures more user friendly. 

If you go that route, document it all and make sure to show it to your auditor. It is a great way to show continual improvement.