This is a guest post from Michael Haile from ISO Quality Services Ltd, an independent organisation that specializes in the implementation, certification, training and continued auditing of ISO and BS EN Management Standards.
Our lead assessors have countless years of experience in helping organisations to achieve ISO Certification. No matter the industry, they have worked tirelessly alongside our clients to aid the growth of their business. Whether it’s a charity, manufacturer or translation company, they have seen numerous successes.
That being said, there is one issue that is actually very common in our industry and that is the perception of ISO Certification as a necessity rather than an aid. Some organisations, (whether they are aware of it or not) put the ISO Certification in one ‘box’ while putting their business in another.
Many articles have been written which make a point of explaining the benefits and the importance of management buy-in with regards to certification. These are great and they are very important topics to highlight but sometimes people appreciate practical examples.
The Myths of Non-Conformances
One key example that our assessors highlight is that of non-conformances. A non-conformance is something that has happened which should not have happened. From experience the following are the most common misconceptions surrounding non-conformances:
- Their recording is felt to be adding to their workload
- Some employees feel like they are ‘telling tales’ on their colleagues
- Or it is seen as a weakness
The concern that the recording of non-conformances adds to current workloads is very common and we have a simple mantra which will hopefully ease this:
“If a non-conformance takes longer to record than to rectify, it is not a non-conformance”
We have in fact suggested to clients that they change their name to ‘Opportunities for Improvements’. Secondly, recording non-conformances and acting upon them enable organisations to have the ability to make significant improvements. After all, if everybody’s jobs can be made that little bit easier, why wouldn’t you?
In some circumstances employees are reluctant to highlight non-conformances as they see them as a weakness that can give management a reason to criticize. This should not be the case and one way this can be remedied is by management taking the lead and demonstrating that they too are recording non-conformances.
Don’t Forget Communication!
One of the main reasons why there are issues with the non-conformance processes and procedures, or any change within the workplace for that matter, is communication.
Internal communication in the form of departmental meetings for example is important to get ‘buy-in’ from all areas of the business. If everyone understands why change is happening, how it will impact positively upon their job and how they can help then this will help with employee buy-in.
Taking the time to explain why change is needed and creating a sense of inclusion makes everyone feel appreciated.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the ISO Standards provide a flexible framework that run parallel to an organisation instead of being a separate entity. Furthermore, when embraced and fully integrated, they are able to enhance business performance and make everyone’s job that little bit easier.
This is a guest post from Michael Haile from ISO Quality Services Ltd, an independent organisation that specializes in the implementation, certification, training and continued auditing of ISO and BS EN Management Standards.