Employee suggestions are a vital source of information for managers looking for ways to improve process. However, suggestions are only helpful when employees submit them. To ensure a steady stream of new ideas, some organizations have started mandating that employees make suggestions.

According to an article found in Business World Online, Toyota, has implemented a mandatory employee suggestion program where employees submit ideas for solving organizational issues. It is almost impossible for a manager to solve all the problems within their department or organization alone, so employee participation in resolving these issues can be critical.

One way to attain employee suggestions is to do an annual opinion survey. It’s a good idea to use an external consultancy to ensure objectivity. Inquire about what may prevent employees from performing. If the issues they identify are credible, then work to address them. If not justifiable, explain to employees why things are the way they are. Make sure there are no barriers to employees being able to submit ideas. The fewer hassles employees encounter during the suggestion process, the better.

Requiring employees to give suggestions may get employees more in-tune with organizational processes and procedures. Rewards for participating may encourage employees to submit more ideas. It’s not a good idea to only reward accepted ideas. Make sure people who submit rejected ideas understand that the company appreciates their initiative.

According to Matthew May, former advisor to the University of Toyota, Kaizen (the Japanese word for continuous improvement), is all about idea submission and not acceptance.

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