What Is A Suggestion Box?

A suggestion box is a tool that allows employees to provide anonymous feedback, ideas, and suggestions to their employer. It can be a physical box placed in a common area of the workplace or a digital platform that employees can access online. 

Suggestion boxes are a great tool to foster open communication between employees and the leadership team. 

Benefits of a Suggestion Box

1. Open Communication: A suggestion box promotes open communication by providing a channel for employees to share their thoughts and ideas with management. It allows for a free flow of information and feedback, which can help the leadership team identify areas for improvement and potential solutions to problems.
2. Anonymity: One of the key benefits of a suggestion box is the anonymity it provides. Employees may feel more comfortable sharing their honest opinions and concerns when they can do so without fear of repercussions or judgment. 
3. Innovation on Tap: Suggestion boxes can be a great source of innovation and creative ideas. Employees who are closest to the day-to-day operations of the company often have unique insights and perspectives on how to improve processes, products, or services.
4. Boosts Employee Engagement and Morale: When employees feel heard and valued, it can have a positive impact on their engagement and morale. A suggestion box demonstrates that the organization values employee input and is willing to consider their ideas. 

Implementing a Suggestion Box

1. Make a Plan: Before implementing a suggestion box, it's important to have a clear plan in place. Determine the goals of the suggestion box, who will be responsible for managing it, and how often suggestions will be reviewed and acted upon. Communicate the plan to employees to ensure everyone understands the purpose and process.
2. Create a Suggestion Form: Develop a standardized suggestion form that employees can use to submit their ideas. The form should include fields for the suggestion itself, any relevant background information, and an option for the employee to remain anonymous if desired.
3. Create Guidelines for Handling Feedback and Suggestions: Establish clear guidelines for how feedback and suggestions will be handled. Determine who will review the suggestions, how often they will be reviewed, and what criteria will be used to evaluate them.
4. Set Up the Suggestion Box: If using a physical suggestion box, choose a location that is easily accessible to all employees. If using a digital platform, ensure that it is user-friendly and secure.
5. Incentivize Employees For Offering Suggestions: Consider offering incentives or rewards for employees who submit valuable suggestions. This could be in the form of recognition, small prizes, or even a percentage of the cost savings generated by their idea. 

Implement Great Ideas: When a suggestion is deemed viable and beneficial, take action to implement it. Communicate the change to employees and acknowledge the individual or team who submitted the idea.