Encourage submissions

To get the ideas flowing, give employees a way to submit their thoughts. Use a simple box in the lunchroom, an online submission system, an in-house voicemail box or a regular meeting designated to hear suggestions.

I recommend: FormSite.com can help you set up an online suggestion form to make it easy for employees to submit ideas. Contact your local phone provider, such as Verizon or AT&T, to see about adding a voice mail box dedicated solely to employee suggestions.

Set up a complete suggestion system

You can do it yourself, or seek outside help.

I recommend: The Center for Suggestion System Development offers solutions for setting up a suggestion system.

Review suggestions

Set up a committee to review suggestions, give feedback and reward employees who submit ideas that are implemented. This will motivate employees to engage in the program.

I recommend: Show your appreciation for employee suggestions with rewards from OCTanner.com, a leading provider of employee recognition solutions.

Track progress

An idea submitted today may not work tomorrow, but may be feasible down the road. To get the most from your employee suggestion program, track ideas and revisit them.

I recommend: Idea Tracker software allows you to keep track of who submitted the idea, when, what the idea was, cost benefits and the progress of implementing the idea.

Hold a competition

When you need fresh ideas fast, consider turning your suggestion program into an idea competition.

I recommend: Outsource your competition to Idea Crossing, a firm that will organize and manage the competition. If you prefer to manage the competition in-house, purchase the Bright Idea Campaign Kit that provides instructional CD's, a guidebook and a phone consultation to set up the program.