Get Tability: OKRs that don't suck | Learn more →

5 OKR examples for Waste Reduction

Write perfect OKRs with Tability AI – try it free with 5k credits

Use Tability to generate OKRs and initiatives in seconds.

tability.io

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.

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!

OKRs to decrease average product impact across categories annually

  • ObjectiveDecrease average product impact across categories annually
  • KRIncrease reusability/recyclability of products by 15%
  • TaskImplement design for recyclability guidelines
  • TaskDevelop reusable product line
  • TaskExplore partnerships with recycling organizations
  • KRImplement 5 eco-friendly modifications in product design and packaging
  • TaskInvestigate biodegradable or recyclable packaging options
  • TaskResearch eco-friendly materials for product design improvement
  • TaskOrganize training on sustainability for product design team
  • KRReduce product waste by 10% through improved production processes
  • TaskTrain staff on lean manufacturing principles
  • TaskImplement regular equipment maintenance for optimal efficiency
  • TaskReview and improve current production procedures

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
  • TaskMonitor and revise production procedures regularly
  • TaskReview current design processes for inefficiencies
  • TaskImplement resource optimization strategies
  • KRIncorporate 3 new sustainable elements into existing product design by the quarter end
  • TaskTest and adjust new product design
  • TaskIdentify 3 potential sustainable elements for inclusion
  • TaskRedesign product incorporating selected elements
  • KRTrain the entire design team on sustainability practices and their importance by quarter-end
  • TaskSet up training sessions for the design team
  • TaskIdentify relevant sustainability practices and training resources
  • TaskEvaluate and discuss post-training sustainability implementation

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
  • TaskImplement a robust preventive maintenance schedule
  • TaskStreamline the manufacturing process to eliminate waste
  • TaskTrain staff on time-saving techniques and productivity tools
  • KRReduce waste generation by 10% to improve resource usage efficiency
  • TaskInitiate regular audits to identify wasteful practices
  • TaskInvest in energy-efficient equipment and technologies
  • TaskImplement a comprehensive recycling program in all operations
  • KRDecrease production downtime by 15% to enhance overall capacity
  • TaskInstall preventative maintenance schedule for all machinery
  • TaskUpgrade outdated production equipment
  • TaskTrain operators on troubleshooting small issues

OKRs to boost and optimize operational processes

  • ObjectiveBoost and optimize operational processes
  • KRIncrease operating speed of all departments by 15%
  • TaskUpgrade and streamline all software systems
  • TaskEstablish new performance metrics for speed
  • TaskImplement efficiency training for all departmental staff
  • KRReduce operational waste by 25%
  • TaskTrain employees in waste reduction techniques
  • TaskImplement more efficient supply chain management strategies
  • TaskConduct regular audits to identify waste areas
  • KRImplement two new efficiency-improving software by 100%
  • TaskTrain staff on using the new software effectively
  • TaskPurchase and install the selected software
  • TaskResearch and select two efficiency-improving software

OKRs to boost the quantity of LEDs by 100

  • ObjectiveBoost the quantity of LEDs by 100
  • KRImprove LED production processes by 25% to accelerate output
  • TaskImplement advanced automation in the LED manufacturing process
  • TaskInvest in high-quality machinery for more efficient production
  • TaskTrain staff on optimize techniques for improving output
  • KRReduce wastage of LEDs during production by at least 15%
  • TaskUpgrade production machinery for precision and waste reduction
  • TaskImplement quality control checks to prevent faulty LED production
  • TaskTrain staff on efficient LED manufacturing techniques
  • KRAcquire additional 10% LED supply from vendors every week
  • TaskCommunicate with vendors to increase weekly LED orders by 10%
  • TaskCoordinate with warehouse to handle additional LED inventory
  • TaskReview and adjust budget to accommodate increased supplies

How to write your own Waste Reduction OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

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.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

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.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

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.

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:

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.

Table of contents