What are you suggesting?

A new survey has shown that running a successful suggestions scheme or ideas programme can bring huge benefits to an organisation. The survey, which has been carried out by Ideas UK (www.ideasuk.com) highlights a number of areas in which employers can see real advantages by introducing such a scheme.

Since 1987 Ideas UK has been at the forefront in promoting suggestion schemes in the UK. Formerly known as UKASS (The United Kingdom Association of Suggestion Schemes) it has helped its members to achieve some remarkable results. Last year its members submitted over 64,000 ideas. From those implemented, a saving of more than 33m was achieved during a single 12-month period.

As a membership organisation, Ideas UK works with its members to provide them with training and presentations tailor-made to meet their individual organisational requirements. A major part of the organisation's role is to highlight to senior management the benefits to be gained from involving more staff in the process. Indeed, it was found that 74% of the organisations surveyed said that employee engagement is now a part of their overall business strategy.

Many employers are discovering the benefits of 'listening'
to their employees, and reap some truly impressive rewards.
The survey has shown that on average each idea implemented saves the company or organisation 1874.00; and with 37% of all ideas now being implemented it is easy to see why more and more employers have become attracted to establishing their own suggestion scheme.

The membership of Ideas UK is drawn mainly from organisations, and their current total of over 150 members come from all sectors including Manufacturing, Financial Services and Police Forces throughout the United Kingdom and Worldwide.

The organisation is a not for profit Association and has registered charity status.

The aim of Ideas UK is to assist companies and organisations in both the private and public sectors to develop and maintain efficient and effective reward and recognition programmes. The benefits are considerable and include advice and guidance for 52 weeks of the year, unlimited attendance at regular networking meetings, and direct contact with hundreds of other suggestion scheme managers and administrators. Also on offer is access to the members room of the Ideas UK website, which includes useful case studies, hints and tips on effective evaluation, an online discussion group and much more besides. All new members are issued with an Ideas UK tool box. The toolbox is a comprehensive workbook which explains how to ensure your suggestion scheme is successful and valuable.

Ideas UK has firmly established itself as the UK's key player in providing companies with highly successful bespoke suggestion schemes. 2007 looks set to see the organisation's membership increase further as more and more employers discover the importance and worth of a fully functioning suggestion scheme which both motivates staff while saving the employer a great deal of money.