Many companies have adopted Total Quality Management in ensuring business continuity. The practice has been used widely as a holistic approach to detect and reduce errors in manufacturing, streamline processes, improve customer experience, and ensure employees are well-trained.
The TQM strategy is to continuously enhance internal practices to ensure that the organization’s output, including its products and services, improves its quality. It includes creating and developing quality policies, implementing quality planning, controls, and improvement measures.
A new approach in quality management has emerged wherein it has been linked to sustainability. It is a practical approach since corporate sustainability can progress alongside quality management. Through this approach, it will be a win-win situation for the organization and the earth.
By applying sustainability and quality management, the organization will be more efficient and get more value and innovation. Here are some of the benefits of sustainable quality management.
7 Benefits of Sustainable Quality Management to Your Business
1. It reduces costs.
Sustainability lessens overhead expenses because it promotes conserving energy- you get to save on electricity because employees are becoming more conscious of their usage. You also install devices that save energy like led lights, eco-friendly electronics, and other efficient heating and cooling systems.
2. It increases productivity.
TQM aims to improve employees’ productivity by ensuring they have the necessary skills needed for the job. It also provides the right environment to boost performance by having the appropriate processes, tools, and strategies.
Sustainability also boosts productivity among employees, especially those who share the same values. According to research from the University of California- Los Angeles, companies adopting green practices and standards have 16% more productive employees than conventional firms. Employees are more motivated, they also receive more training, and have better interpersonal relationships.
3. It improves the company’s reputation.
Applying the best practices in sustainability quality management means having a well-rounded and long-term approach to operations and enterprise management which can build and enhance a company’s reputation.
It also showcases several benefits that the organization gets with this approach, such as reducing material use, using less natural resources, focusing on employee well-being and development, improving product design, and enhancing customer experience.
Who would not want to support or be partners with such a good company? Statistics even back this- according to Forbes, 92% of consumers are more likely to trust environmentally or socially conscious brands. In addition, 88% of consumers will be more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues.
It also improves the company’s employer branding. Studies show that over 70% of people surveyed say that they are more likely to work for a company that has a solid green footprint. With the tough competition in getting the best talents, this will surely give your company an edge.
4. It pleases shareholders and investors.
Focusing on sustainable quality management can make your shareholders happy because it lowers costs and increases profit. A study conducted by Deutsche Bank revealed that companies with high ratings in environmental, social, and governance factors outperformed the market.
Harvard Business Review also mentioned that the overall sales revenue of a company could increase up to 20% due to corporate responsibility practices.
5. It helps meet customers’ needs.
By committing to a sustainable quality management practice, supply chain and operations can be more effective. It helps you design and manufacture products that have a low footprint and high performance. It can help you meet or even exceed your customers’ expectations of your products and services.
6. It improves risk management.
Supply chains face vulnerabilities in natural disasters, civil conflicts, climate change, water scarcity, and poor labour conditions. In a study conducted on 8,000 supplier companies that sell to multinationals, 72% of the respondents shared that climate change presents risks that can significantly impact their operations, revenue, and expenditures.
Any industry is at risk if natural resources continue to deplete and climate change is not addressed. By turning to sustainable quality management, your company helps reduce the risks brought about by environmental deterioration.
7. It fosters innovation.
Both quality management and sustainability heighten innovation. Out-of-the-box ideas and solutions are thought of to address challenges and to future-proof the business. Sustainable quality management helps companies redesign their products, services, and processes to improve running the business.
How to practice Sustainable Quality Management
For total quality management principles, a lot of partners are available to guide you throughout the practice. You can have an internal team focused on this or an external consultant to navigate you in embedding quality management in the business.
For sustainability, you may apply the best practices of sustainable cities and businesses committing to net-zero. Involve everyone in the organization- from top executives to the rank and file. Build a culture of going green and publish it on your company website and branding as a form of commitment.
In Summary
Simplicity and quality can go hand-in-hand in ensuring that your organization is at a competitive advantage. Focus on sustainable quality management and reap its benefits.
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