To facilitate high-level engagement and proactive behaviour among employees of all levels and professions, Latvijas Finieris Group has introduced its employees to various methods that help to increase work efficiency. The current personnel efficiency programme consists of 4 different methods – 5s, Kaizen, TPM, SMED – which are designed to facilitate efficiency in the work space, the overall inclusion of employees and compliance with sustainable business development principles.

One of the most popular methods used in Latvijas Finieris Group is the Kaizen method, which was introduced in the concern in 2018, with the primary aim being to create long-term improvements. Right now Kaizen is actively used in Lignums Mill with notable success. Employees of all professions and work experience have a chance to propose practical improvements for their work space. Afterwards, a special commission reviews proposals and makes a decision on whether to support the initiative or not. If the proposal receives approval, the initiator can start to work on implementing it in reality.

“We are dedicated to improving  our working environment to make it safer and more efficient. The Kaizen programme gives our employees the opportunity to engage, come forward with initiatives and be a positive example to others.”

Edgars Šestakovskis, Director of Lignums Mill.

Employee engagement and suggestions for improvement have a growing trend with each year. Now the number of new proposals submitted per month is equal to the proposals submitted in 2018 throughout the year. For each approved and implemented improvement, its author receives points that are afterwards transformed into financial bonuses as additional motivation. After seeing the notable changes that it has brought Lignums Mill, this method will gradually be applied in other mills, too.