Wolf, Kenneth

English

Texas A&M University

NOV 2 D 19].
&T
L-1231
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION AWARDS PROGRAM
Kenneth Wolf*
Every technique practicable should be used by
managers of agribusinesses and other organizations
to create and maintain an employee enthusiasm
which will result in more efficient use of available
manpower. Although not used to any large extent,
one proved approach lies in rewarding employees
for their suggestions.
Defining an Employee Suggestion Program
• An employee suggestion program is an an-
nounced policy by an organization through
which employees are invited to submit sug-
gestions. The announcement should outline
types of ideas desired. In this publication,
the term "suggestion" means an idea which
will help to improve operations, working
conditions, administrative procedures, meth-
ods or equipment. The ideas received
through an employee suggestion program
may save materials or property, promote
health, increase safety or improve morale.
Most successful programs have defined the
concept of suggestion in these terms.
• The program includes provisions for paying
the originator of a suggestion a certain per-
centage of the savings which the organiza-
tion realizes from its adoption. When
benefits cannot be measured easily, realistic
estimates are made.
Administering a Program
• All employees should be made aware of the
employee suggestion program and the pro-
cedures for its administration. Their super-
visors should encourage ideas from workers.
• Attractive locked suggestion boxes should
be displayed prominently, with a supply of
locally designed suggestion forms attached.
Boxes should be marked so that they are
immediately recognizable as suggestion
boxes.
·Extension economist-agribusiness, The Texas A&M Univer-
sity System.
24.2
• Suggestion boxes should be emptied weekly
by management personnel. This action is
one of the most overlooked items in organi-
zations which have had poor experiences
with suggestion programs.
• Management should immediately advise in
writing the originator of each suggestion
that his or her idea has been received and
is being studied. If study of the idea ex-
tends over a long period, keep the originator
advised of progress, so that he or she knows
the suggestion has not been forgotten.
• Suggestions which have merit should be put
into operation as soon as feasible. Long
delays resul t in overall loss of enthusiasm
and interest in the program.
• Suggestions which are not usable should be
rejected in a way that will not cause the
originator to be discouraged from submit-
ting other ideas. Specific, courteously stated
reasons should be given for rejection.
• The ceremony for winners of suggestion
awards should be made a special event. As
many employees as possible should be en-
couraged to witness it. Also, management
should prepare and provide news releases
with pictures for local mass media. This
will help stimulate competitive partici-
pation.
Benefits to Be Gained
• Better methods and procedures which result
in more efficiency.
• A feeling by employees that their ideas are
wanted. This is always essential if progress
is to be realized in any organization.
• Extra income for originators of ideas.
• An image that the organization is alert to
modern personnel policies and practices.
This aids in recruitment of personnel and
in promotion of sales.
Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The Texas A&M University System. John E. Hutchison, Diredor • College Station
Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socia-economic
levels, race, color, sex, religion or national origin.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, The Texas A&M University System and the United States
Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June
30, 1914.
IOM-I0-74, Reprint AECO 1


Employee Suggestion Awards Program.

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/1969.1/165570/2/1231/Leaf1231.pdf

Employee Suggestion Awards Program.

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Texas A&M University