Which type of waste includes issues such as poor workplace organization and layout?

The type of waste that includes issues such as poor workplace organization and layout is excess motion. This waste refers to unnecessary movements that workers must make due to ineffective workspace design, disorganized tools, or improper material placement. When a workplace is poorly organized, employees often have to bend, reach, or walk greater distances than necessary to perform their tasks. This not only increases the time taken to complete tasks but can also lead to fatigue and decreased productivity over time.

In contrast, the other types of waste mentioned do not primarily revolve around workplace organization. Excess inventory relates to holding more stock than is needed, which can lead to storage issues and increased carrying costs. Defects in production focus on errors in manufacturing processes that require rework or scrap, thus impacting quality. Waiting time deals with delays that occur when processes are not synchronized, leading to inefficiencies but not directly tied to the organization of the workspace. Each of these waste types is significant, but excess motion specifically highlights the impact of poor workplace layout and organization on efficiency.