Bright Ideas Programs

Frequently, we are asked about recognition ideas that foster innovation and creative thinking. One such program we've recently seen successful was developed at a Midwest manufacturer. The program is called the "Bright Ideas" program and it recognizes employees that submit ideas which lead to overall process improvement or reduce waste. Employees are asked to draft creative suggestions through an agreed upon process, and management commits to review each submission thoroughly.

Team members' ideas that are put into place are recognized with a "Bright Ideas" T-Shirt that are presented quarterly at a company-wide meeting. Days and months after the quarterly meeting award recipients proudly wear their "Bright Ideas" T-shirts to work. This creates additional visibility for the program and reinforces the value the business places on innovative ideas.

In addition to the public recognition and t-shirt, those employees who submitted successful ideas are also put into a quarterly drawing for a cash award. We've also seen non-cash awards effective in this type of program as well. At the end of the day this multi-faceted program fosters employee contribution and helps the business stay ahead of its competition.

Recognition programs like this don't require significant investment of time or money, just a desire to improve and a commitment to follow through on it.