OHSU

Lean Workshop

Lean is a process improvement methodology based in the Toyota Production System, which focuses on reducing waste in our work processes and optimizing flow.  Lean can be used in any kind of work environment (office, clinical, manufacturing, etc.) and has been applied to various process improvement projects across OHSU.

The Lean Workshop is a project-based series that consists of 2 ½ days of classroom training done in two phases over a 90 day period:

  • Day 1 – Lean overview and Assessment tools
  • Working with a partner(s), conduct an assessment of your project area (6 weeks)
  • Days 2 and 3 – Lean Improvement Tools and Setting up a "Kaizen Event" (1 ½ days)
  • Working with your partner(s), prepare and lead a Kaizen Event with your improvement team (within 30 days of training)

Next Workshops

Spring Cohort 9

  • Day 1: May 10 (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Location: TBD
  • Day 2: July 23 (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Location: TBD
  • Day 3: July 24 (8 a.m. - noon); Location: TBD


Summer Cohort 10

  • Day 1: September 17 (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Location: TBD
  • Day 2: November 19 (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Location: TBD
  • Day 3: November 20 (8 a.m. - noon); Location: TBD

Who Should Attend?

  • AFSCME-represented employee and his/her manager should attend together and have a specific process improvement project to work on. Not AFSCME-represented, but would like to register, contact .
  • Participants should have demonstrated skills in team facilitation. Change Acceleration Process (CAP) training is highly recommended.  Learn more about CAP training 

How will I benefit?

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the Lean methodology
  • Identify waste and opportunities for improvement in the workplace
  • Take a process improvement project from assessment through improvement via a facilitated team Kaizen event.

Selection Criteria

  •  You must be able to attend the full 2.5 days of training (which take place over a 90 day period)
  • You must be an AFSCME-represented employee or a supervisor of an AFSCME-represented employee who will have a role in applying what is learned in training to a change in your work unit. 
  • AFSCME-represented employee and supervisor are required to attend the training together. If the employee and supervisor are unable to attend the training together, it must be rescheduled for another date. 
  • You must have a process improvement project to bring to the workshop. 
  • You must have the approval and support of the director/manager of your work unit or department to attend the training and to implement the Lean tools to facilitate process improvement in your work unit or department.

Interested?  Here are the next steps:

  1. Review the selection criteria to see if you are qualified.
  2. Talk with your manager.
  3. Obtain approval and support from your department head.
  4. Email  and provide the following information: 
    1. Name
    2. Manager name
    3. Brief project description