Suggestion Scheme

A Suggestion scheme can be defined as a management tool, which encourages employees to contribute ideas for improvement and innovation in the organization. It is based on the rationale that creative talent exists in each employee and that they have the ability and are well placed to make suggestions to improve the way their job is being done.

The suggestion scheme process involves writing of suggestions on a predefined format by the employees of the organization and dropping the same in a suggestion box which is easily accessible. A designated employee empties the suggestion box/boxes regularly at a predefined interval. He lists all the received suggestions for their further processing. A designated committee of the employees meets and goes through all the received suggestions and decides which suggestions are to be implemented. The accepted suggestions are then acknowledged to the suggestor. Due recognitions and rewards are given to the suggestors of the accepted suggestions.

Acceptance criteria of a suggestion
An idea is a suggestion only when it is beneficial to the organization and fulfills one or more of the following criteria.
•    The idea does not violate the vision, mission and objectives of the organization.
•    Improves the efficiency of processes
•    Improves the quality of products or/and services
•    Improves usages of resources, materials and space etc.
•    Reduces damages
•    Cuts down service time and improves service standards
•    Cuts down wastages and helps in cost reductions
•    Simplifies the procedures and reduces paperwork
•    Improves the equipment designs and layouts
•    helps in their better utilization
•    Improves practices and routines
•    Improves the working environmental conditions including removal of hazards to health and possibilities of accidents
•    Increases in the utilities, qualities, yields or output of the products
An idea is a not a suggestion if it is related to the following:
•    A grievance or a complaint
•    A criticism directed at other staff
•    An activity which is part of the job responsibility of the employee
•    Collective bargaining matters and management policy matters
•    Government policies
•    Additional facilities, benefits or amenities
•    Common idea floating around
•    A suggestion without a solution