The article doesn't say directly that Steelcase is cutting jobs “because of” lean manufacturing, but it seems hard not to draw that relationship. If the company is cutting jobs in the midst of a lean effort, that can't have a positive effect on the willingness of people to participate. It's too bad that Steelcase can't continue to grow, allowing people freed up by lean improvements to work in other areas or to grow the company.
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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. His most recent book is the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus. His latest book has been released as an "in-progress" book, titled Measures of Success.