Home Health & Hospice Week

Employees' suggestions have saved companies tens of thousands of dollars. The Heartland Foods turkey processing plant in Minnesota, for example, saved $40,000 in one year by implementing 20 ideas that employees generated. And the W. R. Grace chemical facility in Atlanta put dozens of employee suggestions into practice for a total savings of $125,000.

But many managers think of the suggestion box gathering dust in the corner and wonder how they can get their workers to contribute. Consultant Vic Anapolle, former company manager for W. R. Grace, offers the following advice:

• Offer recognition rather than cash rewards. Cash is always appreciated, but it lacks "trophy value," says Anapolle. He suggests giving workers points they can cash in towards merchandise instead, using a system like the Bill Sims Company's Star Performer Program, which offers a catalog with merchandise from which employees can choose.
• Reward employees for doing more than their job. Some managers hold the attitude that workers shouldn't be reimbursed for their suggestions because "it's their job" to submit them. But employees, especially those in the field, need more encouragement than their regular salary to put forth their ideas.
• Have quick turnaround. Too often, employees don't make suggestions because they think that management doesn't take their ideas seriously. Evaluate every suggestion within 30 days, and be sure to give contributors feedback (even about the ideas you don't adopt). Thank your workers for their submissions, and let them know when the company tries out one of their suggestions.