4 OKR examples for Waste Reduction
What are Waste Reduction OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Writing good OKRs can be hard, especially if it's your first time doing it. You'll need to center the focus of your plans around outcomes instead of projects.
We understand that setting OKRs can be challenging, so we have prepared a set of examples tailored for Waste Reduction. Take a peek at the templates below to find inspiration and kickstart your goal-setting process.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Building your own Waste Reduction OKRs with AI
How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Our Waste Reduction OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Waste Reduction Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
1. OKRs to decrease average product impact across categories annually
- ObjectiveDecrease average product impact across categories annually
- KRIncrease reusability/recyclability of products by 15%
- Implement design for recyclability guidelines
- Develop reusable product line
- Explore partnerships with recycling organizations
- KRImplement 5 eco-friendly modifications in product design and packaging
- Investigate biodegradable or recyclable packaging options
- Research eco-friendly materials for product design improvement
- Organize training on sustainability for product design team
- KRReduce product waste by 10% through improved production processes
- Train staff on lean manufacturing principles
- Implement regular equipment maintenance for optimal efficiency
- Review and improve current production procedures
2. OKRs to develop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- ObjectiveDevelop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- KRReduce overall design-related waste by 25% by optimizing resources and production processes
- Monitor and revise production procedures regularly
- Review current design processes for inefficiencies
- Implement resource optimization strategies
- KRIncorporate 3 new sustainable elements into existing product design by the quarter end
- Test and adjust new product design
- Identify 3 potential sustainable elements for inclusion
- Redesign product incorporating selected elements
- KRTrain the entire design team on sustainability practices and their importance by quarter-end
- Set up training sessions for the design team
- Identify relevant sustainability practices and training resources
- Evaluate and discuss post-training sustainability implementation
3. OKRs to improve strategic smoothing for efficient production capacity
- ObjectiveImprove strategic smoothing for efficient production capacity
- KRBoost production output by 20% through efficiency-enhancing strategies
- Implement a robust preventive maintenance schedule
- Streamline the manufacturing process to eliminate waste
- Train staff on time-saving techniques and productivity tools
- KRReduce waste generation by 10% to improve resource usage efficiency
- Initiate regular audits to identify wasteful practices
- Invest in energy-efficient equipment and technologies
- Implement a comprehensive recycling program in all operations
- KRDecrease production downtime by 15% to enhance overall capacity
- Install preventative maintenance schedule for all machinery
- Upgrade outdated production equipment
- Train operators on troubleshooting small issues
4. OKRs to boost and optimize operational processes
- ObjectiveBoost and optimize operational processes
- KRIncrease operating speed of all departments by 15%
- Upgrade and streamline all software systems
- Establish new performance metrics for speed
- Implement efficiency training for all departmental staff
- KRReduce operational waste by 25%
- Train employees in waste reduction techniques
- Implement more efficient supply chain management strategies
- Conduct regular audits to identify waste areas
- KRImplement two new efficiency-improving software by 100%
- Train staff on using the new software effectively
- Purchase and install the selected software
- Research and select two efficiency-improving software
Waste Reduction OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Waste Reduction OKRs
Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Waste Reduction OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
OKRs to enhance quality assurance in delivery processes OKRs to drive strong revenue and margin growth OKRs to enhance the efficiency of adviser training programs OKRs to formulate a robust 7-year financial plan OKRs to boost monthly quote volumes to 4million OKRs to streamline accounts receivable operations