How a tidy, well-ordered workspace leads to better performance and fewer headaches Have you ever wasted time looking for a tool, file, or document that should’ve been right in front of you? You’re not alone — and you’re also not doomed to live that way. Enter 5S — a simple, practical, and powerful Lean tool that helps you create a clean, organized, and high-performing workplace. Let’s break it down, step-by-step. What Is 5S? 5S is a Japanese method for workplace organization.