Julian Richer's hi-fi chain Richer Sounds is the most prolific company in the UK for creative staff suggestions. Each employee averages 20 ideas a year, and 60 per cent are used. Small motivational awards, up to 25, can be made and suggestions implemented immediately. The chief executive turning up to shake the winner's hands, is not enough. In one finance business's scheme he runs, managers' performance is linked to how many ideas they get from their staff, and implement.
Staff get points that build to different sorts of awards.