Suggestion Schemes

Points to consider when setting up a Suggestion Scheme.

The first point to consider is, do you really need and ideas programme?

Do your employee’s have a system for putting forward ideas to improve the business?

Does your organisation capture and document ideas submitted by employees and analyse the benefits of the ideas implemented?

Does your organisation recognise or reward any employee who puts forward a business change idea as part of a normal or regular employee review.

If you can answer yes to the questions above then the chances are you do not need a formal ideas programme as you have a very open culture within the organisation. However, ideasUK can still help your organisation to ensure you are maximising the benefits of your employee ideas.

If you answered no to the above questions then an ideas programme is an ideal opportunity for employee engagement!

A suggestion scheme…

Is a recognised programme through which employees can formally submit their ideas for improvement for consideration by management.

A suggestion scheme helps to ensure that good ideas are not lost. Employees need to know that they can put forward ideas, which will be evaluated objectively, and that they are a vital and valued part of the organisation.

Will generate cost savings, improvements to customer service, increased efficiencies and will improve employee morale in the workplace.

Provides a vital communication channel between employees and management within the organisation.

Is an integral part of total quality and ensures that everyone in the organisation has the opportunity to be involved in continuous improvement

Although most ideas programmes are individual to each organisation there are a number of areas to consider when developing a scheme for your organisation.

• Research
• Develop aims and objectives
• Ensure management support
• Ensure people and resources are available
• You have developed a robust process for evaluation
• Feedback from stakeholders
• You develop a reward / recognition structure that fits in with your organisational culture

ideasUK also provides information on various types of programmes used by member organisations.

These include staff suggestion schemes (both centralised and decentralised), team initiatives, recognition programmes - stand alone or run in tandem with a suggestion scheme and informal programmes.

Contact us now to see how we can help your organisation deliver the benefits of an efficiently managed ideas programme.

e-mail info@ideasuk.com for more information.