What do Kaizen events usually involve?

Kaizen events are specifically designed to be focused, short-term improvement projects that aim to solve specific problems within a process or system. The essence of Kaizen is continuous improvement, and these events typically bring together a cross-functional team to analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement immediate improvements. They often take place over a few days and involve brainstorming, hands-on work, and the use of various Lean tools, which helps facilitate rapid change.

This approach is ideal for addressing particular challenges or bottlenecks, allowing organizations to foster a culture of improvement while delivering quick results. The emphasis on short-term projects distinguishes Kaizen events from longer-term strategic initiatives, routine meetings, or research and development activities, which do not typically focus on immediate, actionable improvements.