Cornell University Library T 60.S8N23 Business suggestions from employees. 3 1924 002 379 133 National Association of Corporation Training. Business suggestions from employes. T 58 NZ3 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY NE\X' YORK STATE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR RELATIONS THE GIFT OF National Association of Corporation Training. Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924002379133 INDEX PAGE Additioital Rewasds .... 6 Amplified Plans ... ... 9-36 S. F. Bowser & Co. . 29 Bridgeport Brass Co 13 A. M. Byers Co 9 Commonwealth Edison Co 14 Cosden & Co 15 Curtis Companies Incorporated . . . 16 Eastern Mfg. Co 20 Eastman Kodak Co .... 24 E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co 26 National Cash Register Co 28 People's Gas Light & Coke Co .... .... 28 U. S. Light & Heat Corporation . . 32 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. . ... ... 32 Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co ... 34 Appendix, I . . - 4,3 11 .■.:.;. 69 The Bebgeb Mfg. Co. Notices . . 71 S. F. BowsEH & Co.! Notices ... 79 Plan . . . 29 Bhidgeport Brass Co. Plan ... 13 A. M. Bters Co. Plan . 9 Comment and Suggestion 37-42 Commonwealth Edison Co. Plan 14 Co-OPEHATION OF HeADS OP DEPARTMENTS 4 Cosden & Co. Plan . . 15 Cultivate a Variety of Suggestions . 6 Curtis Bros. & Co. Forms 45 Curtis Companies Incorporated: Notices 72 Plan 16 E. I. DuPoNT DE Nemours & Co. Plan 25 Eastern Mfo. Co. Plan 20 Eastman Kodak Co.: Forms 62-67 Notices . . . .... . 73 Plan 24 Eligibility to Prize-Money Final Authority .... Forms ... . . 45-67 Curtis Bros. & Co 45 Eastman Kodak Co 62-67 General Electric Co .... 46-49 Larkin Co 50-51 Packard Motor Car Co 52 Scovill Mfg. Co 53 Tennessee Furniture Corporation .... 54 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co 65-59 Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co 60-61 PAGE General Electhic Co.: Forms . . .... 46-49 Notices 74^75 Indispensable Factoks to Success of Employe Suggestion System 4 Introduction 3 Larkin Co. Forms 50-61 Wm. H. Luden Notices . . . .... 82 Make Submission of Suggestions Convenient . . ... 7 Methods of Acouirino Business Ideas 3 National Cash Register Co.: Notices .... .... ... ... 76 Plan . . 28 Notices, Posted 71-82 Packard Motor Car Co.: Forms ... . .... 52 Notices 77-78 People's Gas Light & Coke Co. Plan 28 Plans: Amplified Plans 9-36 Typical Suggestion Plan 7 Posted Notices 71-82 Berger Mfg. Co 71 S. F. Bowser & Co 79 Curtis Companies Incorporated 72 Eastman Kodak Co 73 General Electric Co 74-75 Wm. H. Luden 82 National Cash Register Co 76 Packard Motor Car Co 77-78 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co 80-81 Public Recognition 6 Rewards 5 ScoviLL Mfg. Co. Fokms S3 Suggestion and Comment 37—12 Suggestion Forms 45-67 Tennessee Furniture Corporation Forms 54 Thorough and Impartial Investigation of Suggestions 4 Typical Suggestion Plan 7 United States Light & Heat Corporation Plan 32 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co.: Forms 55-59 Notices 80-81 Plan 32 Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co.: Forms 60-61 Plan 84 BUSINESS SUGGESTIONS FROM EMPLOYES "Hardly anybody will deny nowadays," declared a writer in a recent number of the Cleveland News-Leader, "that the most precious tool in business is the idea. Most heads of large organizations, in hir- ing men for responsible positions, look first for the initiative and imagination which go to make up the idea-getting men. This type of man is admittedly hard to find. But ideas are necessary, and the merchant must go about acquiring them in some way, if he can't evolve them out of his inner consciousness. Even if he lacks the idea- creating faculty, that is no reason that he should slip back content to give up progressive planning for his store. For ideas may be acquired as well as made." Methods of Acquiring Business Ideas And what are some of the methods of acquiring "the most precious tool in business"? Undoubtedly the most easily accessible source of business innovations and improvements is business reading — the sys- tematic and intensive perusal of trade journals. Another resource of the business man in search of new ideas, but an expensive one, is the annual convention and smaller associations of his confraternity for the exchange of experiences. Other business executives make it a practice to "browse around the trade," as a buyer for a department of a big wholesale dry-goods firm puts it, thereby meaning personal visits to other concerns in his line in order to pick up all the information he can gather in the way of new and efficient policies. And still another much advocated practice is that of talking to customers and making note of their criticisms and suggestions. But by reason of its psychological effect in prompting a deeper and more intelligently analytical interest in company policies and pro- cedure, the appeal to its own personnel for suggestions along lines of more efficient, economic and progressive handling of the company's affairs must be regarded as at once the most interesting and inherently promising of all methods of preventing business dry rot ; for, as one of 3 the executives representing a company with a well developed sugges- tion system has pointed out, "Who is in a better position to suggest improved methods and time and money saving changes than the person doing the actual work." Indispensable Factors to Success of Employe Suggestion Systems An employe suggestion system would seem at first thought the least exacting form of personnel activity and its successful introduc- tion to require the smallest amount of effort on the part of business management. However, several companies report the results of their experiments in that direction as discouraging any attempts at further development. A possible explanation of their failure to real- ize any benefit from their suggestion plans may lie in the neglect of certain details in carrying out the idea-details which are of prime im- portance in launching and carrying on any such plan successfully. From a comparatively long experience with a smoothly working sys- tem, one of the member companies of the National Association of Cor- poration Training has gathered data which should be of decided value to other companies which are contemplating introducing, have already organized, or are discouraged with the results of their own plans. Condensed, the details to which the company in question advises care- ful attention are as follows : Co-operation of Heads of Departments "Be sure that your heads of departments are in sympathy with the movement and are co-operating with you. Quietly, among their own employes, they can do a lot either for or against progress. In some cases they probably will think it a reflection on their ability if good suggestions are received from their departments. They must be taught that it is just the reverse; that their departments will be stronger in proportion to their ability to get the best thought and co- operation from all their employes." Thorough and Impartial Investigation of Suggestions "Be careful to investigate impartially and thoroughly all sugges- tions received. Answer them whether adopted or not. If adopted, a short notice of thanks will be all that is necessary. If not adopted, a note should be written stating why the suggestion could not be 4 adopted and making it clear that you appreciate its having been sub- mitted and would like to receive others. Be liberal and adopt as many of the ideas as you possibly can, whether of much value or not, and thus encourage the employes to go ahead." Final Authority "Suggestions should not be passed upon finally by the head of the department from which they come, although, of course, he should be consulted. Some disinterested person should investigate the sugges- tion. If this can be some official of the company or his direct repre- sentative, so much the better. Our president himself gives much attention to the Suggestion System and encourages it as only a superior officer can." In this connection, the majority of companies operating successful suggestion plans have found the formation of a suggestion committee of from three to five members serviceable for the more efficient and impartial consideration of employe suggestions, with an officer of the company as the final authority. Another company adds : "The Suggestion Committee should consist of technically trained or technically experienced men who hold positions as executives." Rewards "Prizes or rewards of some kind should be given to several of the employes submitting the most valuable suggestions in a given time, say once each quarter or once every six months. It wiU be for you to decide what the total amount of the prizes will be, if paid in cash, and also how the amount is to be divided. Our suggestion is that instead of having only two or three prizes, the amount be divided so that a number of people will participate in its distribution. The details of this can be announced by simply posting bulletins in the shop. It would be a good idea to follow this up by calling a meeting and explaining the situation, and thus getting the employes to believe that you honestly desire their co-operation. The bulletins could state what the prizes will be, when they will be awarded, who will decide as to which suggestions are the best, etc." (The average suggestion plan includes a minimum award of one dollar for every adopted sugges- tion, with special prizes ranging from $2.50 to $200.00, based on the resultant saving to the company of the idea submitted.) 5 Additional Rewards "In addition to cash prizes we give a 'Certificate of Award' and sometimes a bronze medal. This is not an essential part of the plan." Other, though comparatively uncommon features that should be men- tioned as sometimes included in systems of award are increases in salary and promotion. A note of commendation added to the em- ploye's personal record card is another type of reward. Cultivate a Variety of Suggestions "Of course, there are many things to be considered in selecting the best suggestions. Some may be those from which you could figure out a saving in dollars and cents. Others may be an improvement of the product which one could not figure in dollars and cents. Still others may be an improvement in office system, and so on. We consider a complaint a suggestion, if it leads to an improvement." The experi- ence of another company is likewise pertinent here. "The Suggestion Committee is likely to have material presented as suggestions which come under the following heads : "First — So-called 'suggestions' which in reality come directly un- der jurisdiction of foreman, such as: 'The pulley on such a machine needs to be fixed' or 'We ought to have more air in such a room.' No award for such suggestions is granted, but when committee report is posted on bulletin board the following comiment is made — 'Sugges- tion Number — comes under jurisdiction of a foreman. Take it up with him.' "Second — So-called 'suggestions' which infringe on legislative power of Senate or House as, for instance, the suggestion of penaliz- ing tardy employes. In such case committee report states that 'Sug- gestion Number — should come before the House and Senate in the form of a bill. Will the author please stand sponsor for it as a bill?' Public Recognition "Give some public recognition to those whose suggestions are good. When our concern was smaller we would hold a meeting of all employes in some public place that would accommodate them and have a program of music and talks, publicly award the prizes, and thus officially recognize and hbnor the prize winners. This we cannot do now, because of having so many people, but we have a meeting of 6 the prize winners, their wives, department and division heads, officials of the company, and a few invited guests at times. Usually this is an evenmg meeting preceded by a dinner, then a program such as above mentioned. Afterward, a small paper is distributed to all employes, or bulletin posted, giving names of prize winners, showing their pic- tures, perhaps putting up flags in their honor, etc. Make Submission of Suggestions Convenient "Provide some convenient way for the employes to write out and submit their suggestions. Small locked boxes with slotted lids, scat- tered throughout the plant, one in each department or a couple in the larger departments, perhaps, with little notices above reading 'Put your suggestions here,' would answer the purpose. It should be some one's duty then to visit these boxes regularly and take out the sugges- tions that are in them. We have locked boxes at the entrance of some of the buildings, but receive the majority of our suggestions through the factory mail." (The majority of companies furnish regular sug- gestion blanks in order to render the formulation of the employe's idea easier for him. The temptation offered by the suggestion box to an insertion of irrelevant matter, jokes, waste paper, etc., has led one company to eliminate the locked box with the slot, and to direct that all suggestions be sent through the company mail to the officiial em- powered to receive them) . Eligibility to Prize-Money As a rule all employes are invited to submit suggestions, although certain restrictions are usually defined. Heads of departments are generally and foremen frequently excluded from competition. The restriction, however, in the case of foremen is often lifted if he submits suggestions applying to other departments than his own, and in the case of suggestions concerning his own, he is given due credit, note of total resultant savings from his suggestions being noted on his record card. Suggestions from any employe representing an idea or im- provement in line with his regular duties are seldom rewarded. THE TYPICAL SUGGESTION PLAN The suggestion plans of the majority of companies are sufficiently uniform in their features to create what may be considered as a type. Through the mediiun of house organ, posted notice or by placing sug- 7 gestion boxes — the purpose of which is clearly indicated — at conspicu- ous points in office and plant, near elevators, exits, entrances, time clocks, etc. : First — ^Employes are invited to make suggestions looking toward betterment of conditions in the plant or improvements in its product or personnel. As a rule these suggestions may be submitted at any time, although dates for their consideration (usually once a month) are set by the company inviting them. Other companies, however, prefer to stage special contests from time to time directed toward improvement of specific methods or departments of their business. Sugges- tions are required to be made in writing (occasionally a com- pany specifies that they shall be typed) and are either dropped into suggestion boxes or mailed to some company official empowered to receive them. Second — To handle these suggestions special committees, gen- erally known as "Suggestion Committees" are formed to examine and pass upon the value of the suggestions received in a general way. But usually before the suggestion is definitely accepted, it must be submitted to and favorably reported by the head of the department affected by it. Then final action is as a rule reserved to a member or members of the company's general management. Third — Cash prizes are in nearly all cases awarded for sugges- tions deemed worthy of incorporation in the company's policy or manufacturing processes, although in a few cases a public acknowledgment in the company's house organ is deemed a sufficient recognition. In the majority of cases, every suggestion accepted which tends to further company interests in respect to improvement of service, increased safety, reduction of expense, securing new business and the like is regarded as entitling its author to a minimum reward of one dollar. Then, in addition to this very general mini- mum award, many companies have instituted a system of additional cash prizes based on the relative values of the ideas submitted. As a rule, three prizes are offered for exceptionally worthwhile innovations, ranging in value from $3.00 to $25.00. Quite a few companies also allow it to be understood that any suggestion of a very unusual nature and of extraordinary value will not, of necessity, be limited in respect to award by the designated amounts of the prizes. Fourth — ^For the most part, except in the case of periodical eon- tests, prizes are awarded monthly; one company, however, prefers to make its awards twice a year. The "Rewards for Suggestions" plans of the following companies conform more or less closely to the one just outlined: Durham Hosiery Mills Federal Reserve Bank of New York Joseph Home Co. Kaufman's Store Kops Brothers Larkin Company Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. Portsmouth Cotton Oil Refining Corporation Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Montgomery Ward & Company Prudential Life Insurance Company of America R. H. Macy & Company ScoA'^ill Manufacturing Co. Service Motor Truck Co. Successful Farming Tabulating Machine Co. Tennessee Furniture Corporation AMPLIFIED PLANS While in nearly every case making use of the fundamental princi- ples of the standard plan, many companies have amplified the original to such an extent as to make it worth while to quote the extended features in their entirety: A. M. BYERS COMPANY Suggestion Committee — ^A committee of two executives and three representatives of employes appointed by the Plant Superintendent, who considers and acts upon suggestions submitted; each suggestion committee serves for a period of 6 months ; on appointing a new com- mittee, two members of committee for previous term retained, one member being a representative of executive staff and one of employes ; suggestion committee has full authority to reject or approve sugges- tions and to distribute prizes ; plant superintendent appoints secretary for suggestion committee who keeps minutes of meetings and all records pertaining to suggestions submitted ; secretary has no voice in decisions of committee ; committee meets at 2 :00 p. m., on second and fourth Wednesday of each month; authorization for payment of prizes approved by general manager and plant superintendent. 9 Procedure — Committee elects a chairman who issues calls for meetings, officiates at conferences, and approves reports and expen- ditures ; affirmative vote of four members of committee necessary for approval of any suggestion; each member of committee keeps a file of all suggestions and minutes of meetings ; at end of his term, he turns in his file to secretary who turns it over to succeeding member of com- mittee; suggestion may be referred by committee to any department head for investigation; on receipt of their report, committee takes action deemed advisable. Eligibility — Suggestions accepted from mill and office employes of company with exception of following: General Superintendent Plant Superintendent Night Superintendent Chief Engineer Assistant Chief Engineer Chief Clerk Efficiency Engineers Any member of Suggestion Committee while so serving. Rules Governing Suggestions — Suggestions placed in boxes pro- vided in various departments; receipt promptly acknowledged; reg- ular suggestion blanks obtainable at time offices; all suggestions passed upon, whenever possible, within 30 days by Suggestion Com- mittee; those submitting suggestions notified as to action taken; no suggestion regarded as of too small importance to submit for consid- eration; would-be suggestors notified that in some cases suggestions original with sender have been previously considered, or thought of by some one else, and statement of Suggestion Committee that any sug- gestion is not a new one must be accepted in good faith, even if suggestion has not been used at that time and is put into effect later; Suggestion Committee always ready to arrange a personal interview with object of having sketch made to accompany suggestion. Suggestions submitted in writing and enclosed in sealed envelope addressed to secretary of suggestion committee; suggestions dropped in suggestion boxes located at all time offices or sent direct to secre- tary of suggestion committee; a suggestion approved by committee must meet following requirements : — 10 First — It must originate from suggestor; no employe permitted to make a suggestion to another employe and the latter hand it in for a prize. Second — No suggestion already under consideration by manage- ment previous to date on which suggestion was submitted, approved. Third — ^Any suggestion submitted must result in one or more of following conditions : — a — Reduction of expenditures without lowering standard of service or affecting amount of new business to be secured. b — Improving service without unwarrantably increasing expenditures. c — Increasing production without increasing unit cost. d — Lowering unit cost without reducing production. e — Securing new business without increasing cost. f — Increasing cleanliness of mill and consequently tend- ing toward uplift of morals and health of employes. g — Improving working conditions of mill; reducing chance of injuries to employes. Fourth — ^A complaint leading to an improvement considered as a suggestion, but as far as possible a suggestion should be sub- mitted in connection with complaint. List of Suggested Subjects — Following is a partial list of subjects on which suggestions are desired, though anyone is at liberty to submit ideas on other subjects : Improvements in Apparatus Factoey and Office Miscellaneous Quality Cost Conditions Health Machines Tools Quantity Simplicity Reliability Packing Shipping Handling Cleanliness Sanitation Ventilation Order Prevention of Fire Prevention of Accident Operations Jigs, Templates Transportation of Material Handling of Material Storage of Supplies Systems and Methods Finish Design Worlananship Material Lighting Power Economy 11 Prizes — Prizes for approved suggestions awarded according to relative value: Grade a $10.00 Grade b 7.00 Grade c 5.00 Grade d 3.00 Grade e 1.00 At end of 6 months, additional prizes awarded for four best sug- gestions submitted during period as follows, provided at least ten sug- gestions are approved during period and that at least four of these are of sufficient importance to warrant prizes : First $25.00 Second 20.00 Third 15.00 Fourth 10.00 Duties of Secretary of Committee — Upon receipt of a suggestion, secretary assigns it a number, numbering consecutively according to date received; name of suggestor with number of suggestion recorded; name of suggestor knoAvn to secretary only until suggestion has been approved; secretary has 11 copies of each suggestion made, sending one copy to each member of suggestion committee, retaining a copy for his file, and sending 5 copies, with minutes of meetings, to each member of committee and to following: General Manager General Superintendent Plant Superintendent Chief Engineer Efficiency Engineer Chief Clerk Secretary acknowledges receipt of all suggestions on form pre- scribed for purpose and informs suggestor of any action taken on sug- gestion submitted; all letters to suggestors notifying them of approved suggestions signed by plant superintendent; secretary for- wards approved suggestions to respective department heads with in- structions to have them put into effect ; he also summarizes and reports at each meeting of committee any approved suggestions not in effect ; letters to suggestors relative to suggestions filed by secretary with a copy of suggestion; these letters read at following meeting of committee. 12 Reports — At end of each 6 months period, a report summarizing work of committee made by secretary, approved by chairman of com- mittee and sent to members of committee and the following: General Manager General Superintendent Plant Superintendent Chief Engineer Efficiency Engineer Chief Clerk Report includes a recapitulation of all suggestions submitted dur- ing preceding period. Recapitulation shows : Suggestion number Description of suggestion Decision of committee thereon Grade of suggestion Summary of number of suggestions of each class Summary of amount of money expended for prizes Any other information deemed advisable At end of each 6 months' period, official evaluating special expen- diture requisitions also makes a report showing status and results obtained from suggestions approved during that period; copies of this report sent to following: General Manager Plant Superintendent Efficiency Engineer Chief Clerk Secretary of the Suggestion Committee Revision or Alteration — Revision or additions to plan must be approved by plant superintendent and general manager. BRIDGEPORT BRASS COMPANY Suggestion Committee — Company has joint committee of eight people, four employers and four employe representatives at each plant of company; committee considers and accepts or rejects for company all suggestions made to it by any member of organization concerned. Rules' — Committees function for approximately one year and are governed by following regulations, constantly amplified and modified as need arises : 13 First — ^All suggestions made to committee in writing on forms provided for that purpose. Second — ^A basic price of $5.00 paid by company for every sug- gestion accepted by Economics Committee in its behalf; sug- gestions rejected by committee returned to suggestor with full explanation of cause of rejection; any suggestion which committee feels to be of sufficient importance to warrant further consideration in addition to $5.00 acceptance price referred to management for further consideration, with rec- ommendations of committee. Third — Suggestors subordinate to rank of superintendent elig- ible for recompense for any suggestions accepted by committee. Fourth — Suggestions forwarded direct to chairman of economics committee in special envelopes provided by committee for that purpose. Special Awards — Committee considering advisability of making a special award to any suggestor from whom thej'^ have accepted more than a certain specified number of suggestions ; also considering advis- ability of making a further special award in acknowledgment of most valuable suggestion accepted by them over a certain period of time. COMMONWEALTH EDISON COMPANY Rules — The following rules are in force: First — Have suggestion typewritten if possible. Second — ^Express idea as clearly and succinctly as possible. Third — Employe advised to retain copy of his suggestion. Fourth — Suggestion must bear no signature. Fifth — Suggestion must be enclosed in an envelope addressed to "Secretary, Advisory Committee," and marked "sug- gestion." Sixth — Employe must put his own name and his departmental address in upper left hand corner of envelope. No suggestion eligible for prize unless it is directed toward: a — Improvement of service. b — Increasing safety, reducing expenses, obtaining new business, or otherwise definitely advancing company's interests. 14 A suggestion accepted and paid for under rules must be something which has not heretofore been company practice, and not previously suggested; it must not be trivial. Prizes — ^Approximately $500.00 awarded employes annually by company as rewards for suggestions ; all those making approved sug- gestions receive one dollar; yearly prizes offered as follows for best suggestions as recommended by a committee : First $50.00 Second 40.00 Third 30.00 Fourth 20.00 A fifth prize of $10.00 awarded to employe making greatest num- ber of accepted suggestions ; for coming year company offers a special prize of $100.00 for any suggestion that appears to committee to warrant this grand prize. COSDEN & COMPANY A suggestion system for the purpose of encouraging employes to exercise initiative in working out improvements in refinery processes, routine operations or more efficient methods of doing work or hand- ling material organized in 1920. Suggestion Committee — Suggestion Committee composed of three refinery workmen and three members of Refinery Committee; employe members of committee elected by the workmen; election of employe members follows system now used in citjj^ election, namely, a primary nomination and later an election of committeemen from among the successful nominees ; in first primary vote employes voted for any fellow-employe in their division whom they wished to nomi- nate; the 3 employes of each division receiving highest number of votes in primary candidates for final election on May 29, 1920 ; fore- men not eligible to membership on committee ; for purpose of election, Refinery divided into three divisions; namely, mechanical division, processing division and technical and office division. Prizes — ^Duty of committee to receive and review all formal sug- gestions submitted by employes of refinery; once every 3 months, the 15 fifteen most valuable suggestions handed in during quarter year selected and if, in opinion of committee, suggestions are of value, the following prizes awarded: $50.00 for first, $40.00 for second, $30.00 for third, $20.00 for fourth, $10.00 for fifth, and ten $5.00 prizes for next ten most valuable suggestions. Awards publicly annoimced. Eligibility — ^All employes of refinery, except foremen, heads of departments, chemists, and engineers may compete for prizes. Subjects Open to Suggestions — (a) Reduction in cost of construction, processing or operation. (b) Improvements in quality of products. (c) Safety. ( d ) General maintenance. (e) Sanitation and convenience. (f) Any suggestion effecting a saving to company. Rules — Suggestions mailed to reading room, or placed in one of suggestion boxes located at gate office; suggestion contest periods close September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30; awards publicly announced 15 days after closing date of contest period; when two suggestions are received covering same idea, employe given first consideration who hands in suggestion first, therefore all sugges- tions required to be dated and signed. CURTIS COMPANIES INCORPORATED Purpose of plan to secure suggestions from all employes for bet- terment and good of organization; suggestions may be made on any subject relating to company's business. Rules — ^All suggestions written on blanks provided by company (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms) ; blanks not signed, but each blank stamped with identification number above and below dotted line at bottom of sheet ; when submitting suggestion, employe removes and retains coupon, places suggestion in an envelope addressed "The Suggestion Committee" and drops it in suggestion box ; boxes located near each clock, one in office and one in club house. Suggestion Committee — Suggestion committee composed of 3 representatives and 2 senators appointed by presidents of respective 16 houses; they meet and choose a chairman and secretary from among themselves and arrange for a regular meeting day each week, or as often as may be necessarj'^ to consider and pass upon suggestions. Procedure of Committee— Chairman of suggestion committee has possession of suggestion box keys and collects contents of boxes on meeting days ; suggestions having been considered by committee, sec- retary prepares a report including classification of suggestions sub- mitted, number of suggestions, recomjjiendations for award, and amoimt of award; new ideas immediately practicable or capable of development, if recommended by committee, adopted ; committee em- powered to recommend awards ranging from one to five dollars; for suggestions worthy of greater awards, committee makes recommenda- tion to Cabinet; committee's report on all suggestions submitted to Cabinet together with suggestions; copy of report sent to cashier of company who later pays amount of awards. Basis of Awards — ^Awards for suggestions made on following basis : (a) Suggestions beneficial primarily to business of company, as: 1. Labor saving methods, whereby production would be in- creased or improved. 2. Devices for increasing production. 3. Improvements on tools and fixtures. 4. Saving of material through improved methods of various operations. 5. Changes and improvements in mechanical construction of products, simplifying adjustment. 6. Application of additional parts to improve working of various models. (b) Suggestions beneficial to business of company and its em- ployes, as : 1. Improved safety devices. 2. Improved sanitary conditions. 3. Factory and office conveniences and suggestions of similar nature. (c) For suggestions beneficial to and concerning employes, only, as: 17 1. Welfare. 2. Picnic conveniences. 3. Balls, socials and similar matters. (These are not classed as suggestions for which awards of money are recommended by committee as in classes (a) and (b). However, employe who submits largest nimiber of suggestions of this class adopted in one year receives award of $15.00, and employe who sub- mits second largest number of (adopted) suggestions receives $10.00; these awards paid out of awards rmclaimed within one year after noti- fication of adoption; if fund be insufficiently large to cover awards company makes good shortage.) Publicity — Bulletins posted every two weeks show what disposi- tion has been made of each suggestion ; notices also posted asking for suggestions covering special problems. (See Appendix — Posted Notices) ; any complaint in regard to disposition of a suggestion or amount of award may be brought before suggestion committee by person making suggestion or through his representative or senator at any meeting of suggestion committee. Change of Plan — ^All rules and regulations governing suggestion plan subject to change at any time with approval of House, Senate and Cabinet. Sample Reports — Copy of committee's report posted on bulletin boards for information of all concerned, in following form: 18 05 O o I— I H CO O O CO o H P5 O PM o o ft p^ c8 73 • »-) >< o C! o Oi m 'u S g ea c8 3 03 ^ »^ O O H H pq -M "5 ;i ■73 .* •T3 ^ 4-3 h H t; h a S U «4-l rt CC5 IB a O g (U to Pa > g u 13 O )4 O4 o 13 60 pq ■< -< ■< m o u 01 =0 ^ ?-l •* *^ 00 Oi 00 (o 00' a t. (o 00 a IN O . o IN to IN 19 ANOTHER FORM OF REPORT OF THE SUGGESTION COMMITTEE Suggestion No. 66 Suggestion No. 263 Suggestion No. 131 Suggestion No. 148 and No. 179 Suggestion ABC Suggestion No. 181 Suggestion No. 190 No Number Suggestion No. 191 Suggestion No. 185 Suggestion No. 184 Suggestion No. 186 Suggestion No. 180 Held for further investigation Award $2.00 Award $3.00 Held over until the House of Representatives act on a bill drafted by the Ways and Means Committee from these suggestions Honorable mention Please meet with the Suggestion Committee at 1.30 Monday, June 21st, to make some altera- tions on your suggestion Please take this up with your Representative or the Ways and Means Committee so that a bill can be drafted Investigating condition. Will report next week Suggestion Committee is of the opinion that the method described by your suggestion is gener- ally in use throughout the plant. If it is not in any particular instance you should take such matter up with the Justice Committee of the House of Representatives. The Suggestion Committee has therefore referred your sugges- tion to the Justice Committee of the House. Award $3.00 A very good suggestion. The Committee doesn't feel that it would be possible right now to in- augurate a house organ but the Committee in- tends to take this up at a later date at which time due consideration . will be given to an award Honorable mention Please meet with the Suggestion Committee at 1.30 p. m. Monday, June 20th, to work out some details of your suggestion EASTERN MANUFACTURING COMPANY Suggestions may be made by all employes of company; sugges- tions to cover improvements in products, reduction of waste, changes in maniifacturing methods, reduction of accident and fire hazards, or any other subject of value to company and employes; suitable cash awards paid for all suggestions considered practical and adopted. 20 Suggestors — ^Employes, except foremen, may receive awards for suggestions applying to departments in which they work or to any other department in mill ; foremen may not receive awards except for suggestions applying to other departments than their own. Suggestion Boxes — Suggestion boxes located at convenient points in pulp mill, paper mill, chemical plant, and mechanical department ; standard box approximately of following dimensions: 8"x8"xl2" deep ; cover, hinged and locked, furnished with slot approximately 6 inches long; above box, posted directions outlining procedure for making suggestions; near box a small rack containing prescribed forms. Suggestion Forms — Papers needed by person making suggestion as follows : (a) Form AP-36, an 8%xll sheet Avith heading giving directions. (b) A 414x1014 manila envelope to contain form. Instructions for Suggestor — Suggestion written on a large sheet ; details of change or improvement to be given as clearly and fully as possible ; sketches or drawings not required but may be submitted if they help to make idea clear; arrangements made with technical department to aid any one needing sketch to accompany suggestion ; suggestor's name written on suggestion sheet and sketches ; suggestion sheet and sketches then enclosed in large manila envelope and dropped into any suggestion box provided for purpose in mill. Suggestion Committee — ^A suggestion committee of five members collects, considers, and disposes of all suggestions handed in; com- mittee includes a representative from each major department; namely; pulp mUl, paper mill, technical department, chemical plant and mechanical department. Duties of Suggestion Committee — ^At regular and frequent inter- vals members collect suggestions from boxes in their own depart- ments; if any suggestions apply particularly to some other depart- ment, these sent to proper representative at once ; committee members handle matters applying to their o^vn departments in following manner: Suggestion sheet itself, and any accompanying papers contained in large envelope, given same serial number at once so that proper 21 records can be kept ; notice sent to suggestor immediately that he may know his suggestion has been received and is under consideration; after discussing feasibility, usefulness, and value of each proposal with foreman of department affected, committee member notes on sugges- tion sheet whether or not suggestion is adopted ; if accepted, amovmt of cash award given i if rejected, reason for rejection stated; sugges- tion then sent to department head and his approval or disapproval of decision recorded; suggestion then filed until suggestion committee holds meeting. Determination of Cash Awards — Amount of each cash award for suggestions determined by: (a) Estimated saving. (b) Amount of ingenuity displayed. (c) Initiative shown. Effort made to have award approximate as closely as possible to amount of money accruing to company through adoption of sugges- tion during a period of 4 weeks; miU year divided into thirteen 4 week periods ; however, method of rating awards left to discretion of committee. Standardization of Awards — Amoimts that may be paid for vari- ous types of suggestions follow: Minimum Maximum (1) Improvements in product $5.00 None (2) Reduction in costs 4.00 None (3) Improvements in manufacturing meth- ods or machinery, not directly affect- ing production 3.00 $15.00 (4) Reduction of accident and fire hazards 2.00 10.00 (5) Conveniences 1.00 5.00 Amounts thus listed expected to serve as guide for making awards and may not be changed except in very special cases. Meetings of Committee — To co-ordinate work in the several departments, suggestion committee holds regular meetings — one each week ; business of these meetings includes : ( 1 ) Discussion of matters relating to work in hand. (2) Approval of decisions made bj'^ various members with regard to suggestions from their respective departments. (3) Approval of tentative awards made on accepted suggestions. 22 Notices to Suggestors — Immediately after each meeting, decisions of committee with regard to suggestions discussed sent to suggestors interested. Rejected Suggestions — In case of a "rejected" suggestion, sug- gestor notified by tickler or a personal interview or both; care exer- cised in wording notice in order to keep up interest of suggestor in submitting more and better suggestions. Accepted Suggestions — Notice of acceptance of suggestion sent on prescribed form ; this form serves also as notice on treasury depart- ment for payment of cash award; notice made out in triplicate: orig- • inal sent to suggestor, one copy to treasury department, and one kept in files of suggestion committee; original notice approved by depart- ment head concerned before being sent to suggestor; upon presenta- tion of original order to treasury department, amount of award called for thereon paid to suggestor ; duplicate of order then signed by treas- ury department and returned to suggestion committee to show that transaction is closed. Pending Suggestions — In case suggestion is "pending," in order to give it a working trial or because more time is needed for a decision, notice to that effect sent to suggestor. Notices to Put Suggestions into Operation—When accepted sug- gestion requires that work be done by mechanical department, request for this work sent through regular channels ; in case of change in man- ufacturing process, notice of change sent to department head or fore- man affected; effort made to put accepted suggestion into operation as soon after acceptance as possible. Record of Suggestions — Record of all suggestions kept by com- mittee, each member having charge of those applying to his depart- ment ; this record includes : (1) Date. (2) Serial number. (3) Title of suggestion. (4) Name of suggestor. (5) Date received. (6) Decision of committee. (7) Award, if any. (8) Cost of installation or job entailed. (9) Date of decision. (10) Value of suggestion over a period of time. (11) Remarks. 23 Right of Appeal — Suggestor receiving decision of committee and disagreeing with it has a right and is urged to take matter up with member from his department or with conmiittee as a whole; in such case, decision may be changed or award increased if conmiittee deems it advisable. Additional Awards — If record of any suggestion indicates, after a period of time, that award has been too low, committee discusses mat- ter and in cases deemed proper, additional award is made; this addi- tional award must have approval of department head as original had. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY Preliminary Steps — Suggestion blanks ( See Appendix — Sugges- tion Forms) placed in boxes at convenient points about buildings ; any employe having a suggestion to make writes out full description of idea, places it in envelope furnished for purpose and puts it in office mail; if assistance is needed in composing suggestion, employe has privilege of conferring with secretary of Suggestion Work for advice ; if sketch is necessary to illustrate idea and suggestor has not necessary skill to make one, he is privileged to have a draftsman make a simple sketch for him; suggestions received from branches and stock houses handled through main office; employes coming directly in touch with customers can utilize criticisms of customers to good advantage when submitting suggestions; company endeavors to stimulate their inter- est in the work by same means employed at home office ; co-operation of new employes solicited by means of letter (See Appendix — Posted Notices) sent to them as soon as they enter company's employ. Eligibility of Foremen — Foremen paid a money award for sug- gestions not directly concerning their departments; for suggestions concerning their departments, they are given credit; note of total resultant saving made on foremen's record cards reviewed periodically by manager. After Reception by Secretary of Suggestion Committee — ^After its reception, suggestion first stamped with date so that any question regarding priority can be easily settled; suggestion then acknowl- edged with form letter (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms) ; after being stamped, an unsigned copy of suggestion on blank "Report on Suggestion Number" — (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms) sent to head of department to which idea applies; he investigates merits of 24 idea and returns suggestion to secretary with recoimnendations and reasons therefor; meantime, suggestion entered in ledger, its serial number being stamped at top of suggestion for identification pur- poses, name of suggestor, department, classification, subject matter and date. // Suggestion Is Approved — Suggestions approved and recom- mended for adoption by heads of departments concerned submitted to suggestion committee for award; suggestion committee consists of eight department heads who meet bi-monthly and pass finally on all suggestions and decide upon amount of awards; prizes awarded monthly; whenever possible, award based upon saving effected by suggestion; entry in ledger then completed — date when closed, and amovmt of award being inserted. If Disapproved — If suggestion is disapproved, letter written to suggestor by secretary stating why it is imadvisable to adopt his idea, and, whenever possible, presenting a new line of thought along which suggestor may work; letter also invites a personal interview should suggestor be dissatisfied with disposition of his idea; entry in ledger then completed with word "rejected" and date. Records — For each suggestor, an index card sent with record of serial number, subject matter, and final disposition of suggestion; suggestions then filed in a vertical file according to serial number with folder for each suggestion and correspondence relating to it. (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms.) E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & COMPANY Revised plan effective September 1, 1919. Purposes of Plan — (a) To bring out ideas of employes so that both employes and company may benefit thereby. (b) To encourage development of practical suggestions, based on ideas originating in minds of employes, for improve- ment, throughout company, of processes, methods and equipment. (c) To recognize employes offering practical suggestions by cash awards based on estimated value to company of suggestions adopted. 25 Eligibility to Ofer Suggestions — All emploj'^es eligible to offer suggestions. What Suggestor Does — Suggestions made in writing on forms provided by company, and submitted according to rules of procedure of respective departments of companj'^; assistance in development of his idea and in preparation of his suggestion given by his superiors at request of suggestor. Consideration of Suggestion by Company — ^All suggestions for- warded to individuals designated to handle suggestions in department in which suggestion originates who will make a thorough investigation, securing advice of members of organization best qualified to pass upon features involved, and also as to applicability of suggestion to all departments of company ; should suggestion be applicable to another department, such suggestion reported to interested department for consideration and treatment by that department, in which case sug- gestor receives same consideration and award as if he were an employe of department adopting suggestion. Eligibility for Award — ^Discretion and judgment exercised in dif- ferentiating between cases where employes suggest ideas applicable alone to their own work and applying to details within their control ; in other words employe not rewarded for an idea or improvement which it is reasonable to expect him to develop as part of his regular duties (this not construed to render ineligible such employes, for instance, as research chemists, designing engineers, bookkeepers and others who, while they should not be rewarded for improvements involving only the simple application of Avell-knoAvn chemical, engi- neering, or bookkeeping principles, nevertheless may be beneficiaries under this plan if their ideas involve marked and well defined ingen- uity or originalitj'^) . Effects of Assistance on Bights of Suggestor — In working up any original idea (particularly in manufacturing departments) an incom- plete suggestion involving ordinary assistance in way of advice from other employes does not affect rights of employe making original sug- gestion ; but if, to make idea practicable and complete, additional orig- inal suggestions are necessary along collateral lines, originator of latter may be treated as a co-suggestor if in opinion of competent 26 authority this is justified; but in no case can total cash award for a single complete "savings suggestion" exceed 20 per cent of estimated annual saving. Basis of Award of Suggestion Is Adopted — ^All awards made in cash, except as otherwise expressly provided; when suggestion has been approved, it is promulgated for adoption throughout company wherever applicable, and competent authority in department in which suggestion originated estimates at time of such promulgation the annual saving which company wUl realize and makes an immediate cash award amounting to 20 per cent of estimated annual saving ; cash award in no case to exceed $200.00; if nature of adopted suggestion be such that its value is not measurable in dollars (value to company, for instance, being in nature of minimizing danger to life or limb or property, improvement along lines of better co-operation between individuals, divisions or departments, increase in loyalty or esprit de corps or other advantages the monetary value of which is indetermi- nate) cash award made as in judgment of competent departmental authority is equitable; cash award in no case to exceed $200.00. Relation to Bonus Plan — ^Although total cash award for a single suggestion not to exceed $200, nothing in suggestion plan rules in any way affects rights and privileges of employes to recognition under company's bonus plan by a class "A" bonus award; if value of sug- gestion is found to justify a total award exceeding $200.00, sugges- tion is recommended for further consideration under bonus plan, employe's interest under bonus plan being charged with any award made under suggestion plan. Promulgation if Adopted — Identity of employe originally sug- gesting idea maintained throughout; his name appears in all reports dealing with suggestion and is included in all consideration of idea with a view to its adoption. Rejection— If suggestion be finally rejected, suggestor given rea- sons for rejection in writing by competent authority. Periodical Reports — Periodical reports compiled in Wihnington summarizing by departments all suggestions accepted; reports show- ing names of suggestors with titles of their respective suggestions; reports of each department published periodically throughout that 27 department; an annual report rendered to executive committee by each department head, summarizing awards under suggestion plan, giving name of beneficiary, amount of award, and estimated annual saving. Identity of Suggestor — Should department head feel that there is merit in idea of concealing identity this may be done. Provision for Alteration of Plan — Company reserves right to dis- continue or change plan at any time. NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY General Rules — Suggestion department organized in 1894; all employes invited to make suggestions and complaints along every line of company's business ; those having suggestions adopted substantially rewarded as shown by suggestion pyramid (See Appendix — Posted Notices) ; special honor usually shoAvn prize winners by giving them, together with a number of invited guests, a banquet on night of prize distribution; from time to time special contests held when suggestions are desired along certain lines ; suggestions made direct to department head forwarded to suggestion department and suggestor credited with them if adopted; suggestors given assistance in working out sugges- tions when desired; suggestions received through health and safety department considered with other adopted suggestions for prizes ; silk banner awarded to department making best record in each contest and held by that department until another department wins it. Publicity — Regular suggestion pyramid posted on factory and office bulletin boards as weU as sales agencies and repair stations throughout United States and Canada, and all Foreign countries ; this bulletin gives complete outline of plan as now operated in organiza- tion; special suggestion publications also gotten out from time to time, giving account of past contests; prize money increased from $6,000 to $10,000 for last six months of 1920; division is made in prize money, $8,000 of it being allotted to rank and file and $2,000 set aside for special prize consideration including foremen and job foremen. PEOPLE'S GAS LIGHT & COKE COMPANY Prizes — ^For each suggestion accepted and tending to further com- pany's interests in respect to improvement of service, increased safety, 28 reduction of expense, securing new business and the like, company immediately pays $1.00. Special Prizes — ^Five special prizes for suggestions awarded each year at annual meeting of "Advance Club" in November as follows : For four suggestions accepted during each year of greatest value to company: First prize $50.00 Second prize 40.00 Third prize 30.00 Fourth prize 20.00 For greatest number of suggestions accepted from any one em- ploye during year, a single prize of $10.00. Rules Governing Suggestions — Suggestions made in writing (typing preferred), but not signed; envelope sealed; name of depart- ment or departments to which suggestion applies written in upper left hand corner of envelope; envelope placed in another envelope and outer one marked "Suggestion by ," name and department being given and whole addressed to secretary of company; unsigned suggestion, unopened, given a number and recorded, with name of suggestor, in secretary's office ; it then goes to department affected by it for judgment; final action taken in secretary's office. Eligibility — Opportunity open to all employes except heads of departments and sub-departments, or their assistants, when suggest- ing improvements in their own particular work; special prizes not awarded for suggestions on which patent or copyright has been applied for and patent application accepted by company, or when patent or copyright has been purchased from suggestor; employes who leave service of company during the year not entitled to any special prize. S. F. BOWSER & COMPANY Eligibility — ^All employes may submit suggestions, except com- pany executives, the factory manager or his assistants, the production manager, division superintendents, the chief inspector, heads of engi- neering departments, designers or employes in experimental depart- ment; suggestions may be submitted by department heads and fore- men when they pertain only to new products or improvement of established products. 29 Rules Governing Submitting of Suggestions — Suggestions must be written clearly on furnished suggestion blanks, dated and signed with suggestor's name, clock number, department and foreman's name; suggestions put in regular suggestion boxes or sent through exchange mail to suggestion department; suggestions made by em- ploye affecting his own work, where it is not only within his OAvn province to make the change or improvement, but it is his duty to make it, not considered; when two or more employes submit similar suggestions, the one received first accepted ; credit given for a sugges- tion which has value though not immediate value. Nature of Suggestions — The following list — (suggestive only) — includes subjects upon which suggestions are invited: Improving quality or quantity of product. Decreasing cost without lowering quality. Improving factory methods. Improving office methods. Increasing co-operation. Eliminating unnecessary work. Safety work. Improvement m tools. New design or improvement in accepted design. Improving health and working conditions. Method of Handling — ^Each suggestion read carefully, classified as to merit, acknowledged, and copied without signature; extra copy sent to interested department heads for investigation and comment; after investigation returned to suggestion manager for decision; if accepted, suggestor notified and suggestion put into effect as soon as practicable; if not accepted, reasons given; any employe who feels his suggestion has not received proper attention may contest decision; suggestion will then be reinvestigated; final decision rests with personnel director. Prizes — ^Every suggestion accepted entitles suggestor to regular prize of one dollar; in addition, employe submitting most valuable (accepted) suggestion during any one six months' period rewarded with so-called "grand prizes" in following order: Best Suggestion $75.00 Second best suggestion 50.00 Third best suggestion 30.00 30 Foremen's Prize — A first prize of $30.00 and a second prize of $20.00 awarded to foremen and department heads whose employes make highest scores based on following points : Largest total amount of grand prize money 2 points Largest nimiber of grand prize winners 2 points Largest percentage of accepted suggestions 4 points Largest average grand prize monej'^ per employe . 1 point Largest average grand prize money per accepted suggestion 1 point Division Prize — A silk banner awarded division whose employes contribute greatest percentage of accepted suggestions ; office em- ployes regarded as a division corresponding to divisions in factory — the main office as one division, factory office as another. Rules Governing Prizes — Grand prize awarded every 6 months, but regular prizes for accepted suggestions paid immediately on approval; periods end April 30th and October 30th of each year; accepted suggestions classified as "good," "very good," or "best," and at end of 6-month period suggestion manager submits not less than twice as many suggestions as there are prizes to prize award commit- tee, consisting of an executive or his assistant, factory manager or assistant, and a division superintendent; whenever employe has more than one accepted suggestion to his credit in any one 6-month period, prize award committee may group such suggestions made by such em- ploye, if by so doing any benefit results to employe, it being under- stood, object of such grouping enables committee to award employe a prize on total of his suggestions rather than debar him from partici- pation in grand prize awards because suggestions, considered individually, would not qualify for an award. Additional Prizes — Jurisdiction of prize award committee extends to awarding additional prizes when value of suggestions submitted merits ; jurisdiction of prize award committee also warrants withhold- ing any class or classes of grand prize awards if, in its judgment, sug- gestions submitted do not merit awarding number of grand prizes provided for. Suggestions submitted by employes who have left company previ- ous to award of grand prizes, entitled to participate in awards. 31 UNITED STATES LIGHT & HEAT CORPORATION Company invites suggestions looking toward betterment of con- ditions in plant or improvements in product, and offers rewards as follows : Prizes — For every suggestion deemed worthy, company pays one dollar; of suggestions received during each month, best and second best, if adopted, rewarded by prizes of $10,00 and $5.00 respectively; best (adopted) suggestions received during calendar year awarded prizes of $200.00, $100.00 and $50.00 respectively; in order that novelty and feasibility of suggestions may be thoroughly tested, com- pany withholds monthly and yearly prizes for a period of 6 months; one dollar awards paid promptly, as to question whether they are to be adopted or not does not enter. Rules Governing Suggestions — Immediately upon receipt of sug- gestion, letter sent out in acknowledgment; at same time, original copy of suggestion sent to experts in plant in position to judge value of suggestion ; experts requested to express opinions frankly concern- ing novelty and feasibility of suggestion referred to them; these opin- ions obtained, a committee of five, chosen from different departments of company, pass upon suggestions and make recommendations of award; management considers recommendations of this committee of five and authorizes payments in accordance therewith. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY Eligibility — Engineering department (clerical force excepted) not eligible for awards although they may and do enter suggestions ; if suggestions are adopted, suggestors sent a special letter of thanks accompanied by statement that no award has been paid because of connection with engineering department. Rules Governing Suggestions — Every Monday suggestions de- posited in locked boxes throughout various departments of works collected; shop mail also used; suggestions immediately dated, receipt acknowledged (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms), serially num- bered, and turned over to suggestion conmiittee ; suggestions indexed in two ways; (1) alphabetically in order of employes' names, (2) according to class of suggestion. 32 Suggestion Committee — Suggestion committee of 3 members con- sisting of one permanent member (the chairman) and two others (rotating in service at periods of about 6 months) passes upon all suggestions ; members of committee drawn from heads of various man- ufacturing departments ; if committee is unable to decide on merit of suggestion (largely the case), it is referred to head of department involved, name of party entering suggestion being withheld as a rule ; if favorable reply is received, suggestion committee then determines upon amount of award; Avhen sufficient number of suggestions has been favorably acted upon, such suggestions listed and presented to works manager who, together with vice president, either "O. K.'s" or modifies awards recommended; an extra award of $5.00 given for first set of five accepted suggestions; $10.00 for second set; $15.00 for third set, and so on. Classes of Suggestions (a) Suggestions neither original nor having appreci- able money A^alue yet which should be adopted with probable modification before adoption. .. . $2.50 (b) Unoriginal suggestions having appreciable money value 5.00 (c) Unoriginal suggestions having considerable money value 10.00 (d) Original suggestions with no appreciable money value 10.00 (e) Original suggestions with considerable money value 15.00 (f ) Special 15.00 (g) I First five suggestions accepted 5.00 (h) Second five suggestions accepted 10.00 (i) Third five suggestions accepted 15.00 In the event of an award being made, employe entering suggestion notified on a prescribed form (See Appendix— Suggestion Forms) ; this notification followed in due course by a check; if suggestion is rejected, a personal letter is sent employe giving reasons. Publicity— List of suggestions adopted (See Appendix— Posted Notices) , posted in monthly shop paper giving title of suggestion and name of sugges'tor, but omitting amount of award; occasionally, sug- gestor requests omission of his or her name, in which case the state- ment is made that the name is omitted by request. 33 YAWMAN & ERBE MANUFACTURING COMPANY Original Plan — Suggestion system originated in August, 1915, when employes were paid from one to ten dollars for suggestions ; at first foremen, superintendents, and salesmen not given cash prizes, but awarded "merit marks," varying in number according to value of suggestion; merit marks taken into consideration in adjusting salaries, etc. Present Plan — On October 15, 1917, suggestion plan changed and all employes included in the cash awards; at this time cash award raised for any one suggestion from a ten dollar limit to $100.00 to stimulate more interest; present rules for company's plan follow: First — Employes' suggestions earnestly solicited for betterment of business. Second — ^All employes eligible to submit suggestions, except de- partment and branch managers and designers. Third — ^AU suggestions addressed, mailed, or delivered to chair- man of board of awards. Fourth — Suggestions received numbered serially as received, acknowledged and recorded. Fifth — ^All suggestions from employes copied and sent to fore- man or manager of department in which employe belongs for former's opinion of its practical worth; other depart- ments which same suggestion may affect also receive a copy of suggestion submitted; all suggestions investigated and analyzed personally by board of awards. Sixth — Board of awards receives all reports on suggestions sub- mitted and considers them in connection with suggestions in making decisions. Seventh — Executive committee calls for a report from board of awards monthly and reserves right to pass finally on any awards for suggestions submitted; object of this action to enable executive committee to know that all suggestions with any present or future value will be rewarded; and further- more, to enable it to keep in touch with employes and depart- ments offering the most valuable suggestions. Eighth — ^Amount of each award based wholly upon value of sug- gestion to company ; suggestion effecting a saving rewarded with a liberal percentage of amount saved. • Ninth — Suggestions submitted and considered of exceptional value to company considered and rewarded according to their value to company. 34 Board of Awards — Board of awards composed of a chairman directly responsible to general manager and four other men, three from factory and one from office ; except chairman, members of board cannot be executives. Conditions Governing Suggestions — Copy of suggestion blank enclpsed in envelope addressed to chairman of board of awards enclosed with each copy of Factory News distributed throughout organization; this paper issued monthly; supply of envelopes kept by each foreman for use of employes (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms) ; copies made of each suggestion, one going to each member of board of awards, one to foreman or superintendent under whose jurisdiction employe is working, or whose department is particularly affected by suggestion; copies bear only serial number of suggestion and date ; suggestion received, given a serial number, entered on a 5x3 card bearing name of employe, department where he works, date of suggestion and resume of suggestion; on this card name of superin- tendent to whom suggestion is especially referred also entered with date suggestion was submitted to him; reports received, checked against this record and complete reports placed numerically in "complete folder." Meetings of Board of Awards — No time for meetings specified, but when a sufficient number of complete reports are received, chair- man calls meeting of board ; meeting held at least once a month. After dictation of minutes, a letter written each suggestor advising him either that his suggestion has been accepted and enclosing check, or telling him why it has been rejected; with suggestions accepted, cer- tificates of award enclosed signed by general manager and chairman of board (See Appendix — Suggestion Forms) ; after suggestion has been passed upon, record of its acceptance or rejection entered upon card taken out of pending file and filed according to subject; a numerical sheet index kept as a cross reference to this file; all cor- respondence relating to each suggestion kept in a folder indexed numerically; all suggestions relating to sales, additions, or improve- ments in line submitted to promotion committee for decision after technical reports have been received from superintendent, foremen and sales draftsmen. Reports — After each meeting of board, a report on suggestions accepted which affect manufacturing sent to secretary of company who issues instructions necessary to put them into effect; similar 35 reports sent to superintendent of buildings regarding suggestions involving repairs, and to office manager regarding suggestions affect- ing office methods, etc. Premature Suggestions — In some cases awards of small amounts made to employes whose suggestions contain some merit, although it may not be possible to put such suggestions into effect at once; in other instances, factory may not be ready to use suggestions at once, therefore they are held for use when conditions warrant. Publicity — ^After each meeting, a report on suggestions accepted, sent to Editor of Factory News, and at end of each month a report sent to executive committee covering work of board for that month, with tabulations of number of suggestions accepted to date, sugges- tions received, and total of awards. Eliminating the Suggestion Box — ^At one time, before suggestions were received by board, suggestion boxes were placed in different departments, but this arrangement did not work out to company's satisfaction, as boxes were found to contain a few good suggestions but mainly an accumulation of miscellaneous matter or suggestions which could come under head of jokes. By forwarding suggestions direct to an official of the company who has gained the confidence of those with whom he comes in contact and to whom the men can refer at any time for discussion regarding their suggestions, much better co-operation has been obtained from employes. Any employe who is not satisfied with the judgment of the board is at perfect liberty to appeal to the chairman. In a few instances, this regulation led to further consideration of the suggestion, and if the board still held to its original decision, a careful explanation was given the employe. Basis of Awards — In 1919 board of awards was empowered by executive committee to put into operation a new plan on which to base awards covering production and saving of material, labor and time; amount of awards based on a graduated percentage scale, giving em- ployes what might be termed an estimated percentage of saving of first year. If at end of first year, costs show a saving in excess of that estimated, an additional award made to suggestor. Assistance — If any employe finds it difficult to put his thoughts into writing, he may drop a line to board of awards which* directs a member of board to interview employe, write out his suggestion and place it before board. COMMENT AND SUGGESTION A. M. Byers Company "Since 1915 an average of thirty-five suggestions has been handed in in a half year period." Armour & Company The announcement in The Armour Magazine that Armour & Company was offering employes an opportunity to capitalize on their ideas for business improvement met with a responsive of well over two hundred ideas submitted. Commonwealth Edison Company Up to November 30, 1920, employes of the Commonwealth Edison Company had submitted about three hundred suggestions during the year. Eastern Manufacturing Company "Our plan is a success. Many valuable suggestions have been re- ceived. Four points considered essential for the success of the system follow: (a) Absolute fairness in handling suggestions. (b) Publicity regarding suggestion idea. (c) Good awards. (d) Promptness in acknowledging and deciding on suggestions. "The scaling of awards helps to direct attention to problems of cost reduction and improvement of product. The one big factor in this is constant publicity through the medium of the mill paper." Eastman Kodak Company "The greatest value of the Suggestion System to the company lies in the suggestions adopted, and it is, therefore, important that their number be comparatively large. To accomplish this the company be- lieves that it is necessary to carry on an educational campaign by means of posters and bulletins (See Appendix — Posted Notes), to direct the thoughts of the employes along such lines as may result in their offering suggestions of value. To this end the company also publishes articles in its Kodak Magazine. "Up to a few years ago, the company set aside annually $700.00 for suggestion prizes. However, the prizes awarded did not always amount to $700.00 ; therefore the custom was adopted of awarding the 37 suggestions whatever they were worth, with no limit to the amount — the first year $50.00 a month was awarded with $100.00 as a special bonus to the best suggestion of the year. This method did not work well because during some months no suggestions were submitted mer- iting a first prize award. "The next year prizes of $50.00 were awarded each three months. A rule was then made that no suggestion, unless in operation at least one month before a suggestion meeting, be in line for a prize, and further, that if no suggestion submitted was believed to merit a first prize, the prize might be withheld and used as a fund from which special prizes could be awarded at the end of the year. This last pro- vision proved unpopular, so the following year the company decided to award $100.00 every three months and distribute $300.00 at the end of the year for the suggestions giving especially good results and deemed worthy of greater recognition than they had previously received. This plan, in turn, was discarded in 1912 in favor of the method in vogue at the present time. "The company now holds that in order to stimulate and encourage employes to make suggestions, monthly awards are desirable. It was observed that when awards are made at quarterly periods, for a week or two thereafter suggestions are numerous, while for the remainder of the period they are comparatively few. Since 1912, when the monthly award was put in force, suggestions have been constantly received. "It is a common practice where suggestion systems are in opera- tion, to disqualify foremen from entering suggestions for which they may expect to receive awards. This company has excluded its fore- men from the privilege of the suggestion system, but it was reported that some of the very best ideas submitted came from them — ideas which probably would not have been brought forward, had there not been a prospect of direct compensation. A trial was also made of a plan for classifying foremen by themselves, removing them from com- petition with workmen ; the foremen's prizes being based upon awards received by the men working imder them. This plan did not prove successful, however, and the arrangement has recently been put in force once more, of rewarding foremen by cash prizes for suggestions which do not directly concern their departments, and giving them credit for ideas which do benefit their departments, the total resultant saving through their efforts being noted on their record cards which are periodically reviewed by the manager." Federal Reserve Bank of New York "Several attempts have been made to stimulate the making of sug- gestions on the part of employes through the medium of articles in the magazine, but without much success. Much better results have been 38 obtained by a personal canvass of all departments by a member of the suggestion committee who solicited the assistance of the various de- partment and section .heads. This plan resulted in a great improve- ment in the number of suggestions submitted during the succeeding month, but it was fovmd that, on the other hand, there was a decided falling off in the number of suggestions submitted during the next succeeding month," John B. Stetson Company "When the boxes were first put up we had quite a number of sug- gestions ; some good, some bad and some indifferent. A great many of them were of a selfish nature. Our management committee, how- ever, answered every one of the suggestions and the problem soon re- solved itself into suggestions only that were really worth while. While we do not receive many suggestions at the present time, those that are being received are usually of some value and we have made a number of rewards as a result of the suggestions that have been received. In some cases we have used Liberty bonds and in some cases a cash reward." LarJdn Company "Last year we tried to stimulate suggestions by staging a sugges- tion contest. The February issue of our house-organ, Ourselves, con- tained the results of the contest. The suggestions received were not 'world-beaters,' but some few were really valuable. The first prize- winner would probably ordinarily receive a $5.00 reward, but the object of the contest was in large measure realized — to get the em- ployes to thinking of improvements in the business. "The first Larkin Suggestion Contest started the day after Labor Day, September 2, 1919, and closed October 31, 1919, with the follow- ing result : Suggestions accepted and prizes or rewards given . . . 541 Suggestions accepted without reward 58 Suggestions declined 6652 Total suggestions received 7251 "Prizes and rewards amounting to $1,630 were given out person- ally by Mr. J. D. Larkin, Jr. at the company's Christmas celebration in the court of the Administration building on December 24th." Lincoln National Life Insurance Company "This suggestion idea has been very successful." 39 Marshall-Wells Company "All these plans are good and we have profited by them. The one great difficulty with any of them is that it almost requires a special department to handle employes' suggestions. The wheat is there but there is so very much chaff. The greatest value of the employes' sug- gestion plan lies in its material assistance in keeping a goodly number of employes on their toes and this applies with just as much force to those upon whom rests the responsibility of keeping the organization and its departments thoroughly progressive." Montgomery Ward Sf, Company "Many time and money saving changes in our system have been made as the result of suggestions from employes. No one is in a better position to suggest improved methods and time saving changes than the person doing the actual work." National Cash Register Company "In September 1920, President Patterson announced that $10,- 000 would be distributed in prizes for the period June 30th to Decem- ber 31, 1920. This is an increase of $4,000 over the period January 1 to June 30, 1920. Four hundred and twenty-four employes won prizes ranging from $5 to $200 in the contest ending June 30, 1920. Each prize winner was also given a certificate of merit and a bronze medal in recognition of his or her ability as a thinker. Seven hundred and fifty-four other employes were given cash awards ranging from $1 to $5. A total of $7,995 was distributed to 1,178 thinkers. The amount of money distributed and the number of prize winners broke all company records. There were 8,850 suggestions received in the contest. Of this number 2,672 were adopted. "Since 1902, the company has paid out more than $77,000 for sug- gestions. During the past eight years over 66,000 suggestions have been received, of which more than 23,000 were adopted." Portsmouth Cotton Oil Refining Corporation "Thus far, 116 suggestions have been received since the inaugura- tion of the system in January, 1920. The suggestions came both from colored and white employes. There has not been any suggestion re- ceived as yet which has been of any remarkable value to us. However, some of the suggestions have been adopted and we believe to the benefit of the plant. Anyhow, we believe that the idea of rewarding suggestions has helped our employes to get into the habit of thinking and finding out how improvements can be made, and in this way we believe the plan has accomplished quite some good. 40 "For your information we wish to state that so far, out of the sug- gestions received, twenty-six have been awarded premiums amounting in the aggregate to $175.00. There are twelve suggestions still under consideration, final decision not having been reached on same." Prudential Insurance Company "We have had, during the years in which this arrangement has been in force, a number of very valuable suggestions given to us by both our Field and Home Office staffs, and believe it to be of value not only because of the specific suggestion which may be offered, but because of the tendency on the part of the staff to take a greater inter- est in their work in the hope of catching something which will be of value." Tabulating Machine Company "This scheme is working with admirable success. At the conclu- sion of each contest the names of the prize winners, together with their suggestions, are published for the benefit of the entire office organization. Our experience along this line has shown pretty con- clusively that the suggestion contest in itself does not bring about the most satisfactory results ; the greatest benefit being the spirit of inter- est displayed in the business by the employes, the friendly rivalry be- tween them, and also the spirit of teamwork; the suggestion contest itself being used merely as a medium." Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company "Our suggestion scheme was put into effect about July 25, 1911. More than 13,000 suggestions have been received, of which number about 19 per cent have been adopted. A considerable number of sug- gestions were vetoed, although meritorious, simply because the com- pany was unable, for various reasons, to make use of them. The es- timated savings from individual suggestions have varied from zero to $1,200.00 a year. "One of the unlooked for benefits of the suggestion system has been to bring the various heads of departments when serving as mem- bers of the committee into closer touch with one another, the result being that in several instances men who were previously more or less antagonastic, changed their opinion of one another on closer ac- quaintance with gain both to themselves and to the company. William H. Luden & Company "Our experience has been that many good ideas have been ad- vanced by employes and accepted by us. We would not be without it." 41 Yawman ^ Erbe Manufacturing Company "The Suggestion Plan is considered a success. Since the plan has been in operation we have received 1,309 suggestions up to March 1, 1918. Of this number 514 were accepted and awards given. We believe our monthly house organ, in which mention is made of all accepted suggestions, is a big factor in the succces of our suggestion system. We find that by far the largest number of suggestions are sent in some four or five days after the paper is issued." 42 I— APPENDIX— SUGGESTION FORMS DJIffiS WOODWORK CURTIS BROS. & CO. CLINTON, IOWA The following; suggestion is offered for the consideration of the Suggestion Committee: RKCElVn BY COMMITTEE-. SUGGESTION NO. . 856 RKPCRflKD TO SENATE- TK* OM MO riRST AWARD 9_ jiieaBTAaT joiht suasiaTioN cohhittkb PINAL AWARD •_ (Do BOt sign abov* perlotvtiOB, m» thm BocEeatJea nnmber wtD Ideadfy 70a lo tb« committee.) READ CAREFULLY Before dcpoaitin? taggcttion in the box, tear off thii coupon, I your name and HOLD coupon. AIX suggestions will be care- .Jly considered by the suggestion committee. An award of not less ihaa $1.00 will be given upon the adoption of any suggestion. Further award wil} be given when the merit uid value of the suggestion has been proven. Watch Bulletin Boards for announcement of action taken. If suggestion is adopted hand your coupofl to cashier at office lor payment cien : fdlyi CLOCK NO.. ■UOOETnON NO. . 856 Tir» IF LO»T 1866 CUKTIS WOODWORK 45 FF-447 (Key) lOm 7-29-tO /^^ "PUT YOUR IDEAS TO WORK" ^^^ (Employees are invited to malie suggestions, using this blanli) Date — Name Check No. Dept : -- Bldg. No - -Phone No. I Avould suggest: (Signed). Be sure to give sufficient information to make your idea clear. Use a separate sheet for sketches. Write your name, check number and building number clearly. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. 46 We have received and are investigating your s-ugge s t i on cone ernlng As soon as we have something definite to advise we will write you again. COMMITTEE ON SUGGESTIONS, W.E. Onion, Secretary, NOTE: In case you do not receive a definite reply In a reasonable length of time, kindly get In touch with us either by 'phone or calling personally at room 161, Building #2. Should your suggestion be put Into effect before you have received a final reply from us, kindly bring this matter to our attention. COMMITTEE ON SUGGESTIONS Room 161, Building #2. 'Phone 1254 GENEEAL ELECTRIC CO. 47 48 NOTE- This reply need not be considered final. If there Is anything In connection with this suggestion' that you feel we have not taken into consideration, we shall esteem it a favor If you will call our attention to same. It is the desire and intent of the Suggestion Committee that every suggestion be- given full and impartial consideration. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with our answer, call or write and we will arrange to talk the matter over. IF AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE YOUR SUGGESTION SHOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT, DO NOT FAIL TO NOTIFY US COMMITTEE ON SUGGESTIONS. ROOM 161, BLDG. #2. 'PHONE 1254. GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. Attached to replies to suggestions that have not been accepted. 49 To System Dept SEE OVER Suggestion No ?55n Have your suggestion typewritten on this sheet Be sure to state your reason for the suggestion SEE OVER Date. NAME STUB Date No. -^517- Sign this stub, detach it and place it in an envelope, sealed and addressed to Committee on Suggestions. Deposit it in Employees' Sales Box or send to System Dept. The envelope will not be opened until the sugges- tion has been considered and passed upon. Name- Dept.- LAEKIN CO. (Front) 50 1. SUGGESTIONS FOR WHICH REWARDS MAY BE EARNED All employees are invited to submit any thought or plan which can De offered seriously as a means to improve the business in any particular. Suggestions which will result in a practical saving of work, or in some other practical benefit, either to the Company or the employees, are requested. 2. SUGGESTIONS FOR WHICH NO REWARDS ARE GIVEN WHICH SHOULD BE REFERRED TO DEPT. CHIEFS. All kinds of suggestions may not properly come before the Committee. Every clerk following his usual duties will come upon matters that need correction. When the mere mention of a matter to the Department Chief Will insure its correction, it is not necessary to submit it as a formal suggestion. The person making a suggestion, however valuable, due to his employment in regular course of business, is not entitled to a reward. Suggestions for technical corrections and changes in Forms, which will result in no practical saving of work, or are of real practical value in no other way, should be referred to Department Chiefs who will approve and pass to System Dept. for consideration the next time such forms are printed. Suggestions to use rubber stamps should be referred to Department Chiefs, not to Committee on Suggestions. Purely technical corrections in Ofiice Manual should be passed to System Dept., not to Committee on Suggestions. 3. REWARDS. Accepted Suggestions are suitably rewarded in cash and pub- ished in a bulletin or in "Ourselves." Rewards are distributed on the day suggestions are published. Although accepted suggestions are generally rewarded, the Committee reserves the right to accept some suggestions without reward. 4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING SUGGESTIONS. Have your suggestion typewritten on this sheet. Any transcriber will do it for you. If more than one sheet is required, use any blank paper this size. Copies of any forms mentioned must be attached. State your reason for making suggestion. Keep a record of the number of this suggestion. It will be necessary for you to mention this number if you have occasion to inquire about it. Do not sign this sheet — sign the stub only. Deposit this sheet in Employees' Sales Box or send to ^jstem Dept. Do not enclose it in an envelope. LARKIN CO. (Reverse) 51 SUGGESTION BLANK Packard Motor Car Company 1 Write your suggestion briefly and clearly. 2 Use a separate sheet for each suggestion. 3 If a sketch is necessary, attach it to this form. 4 Seal your suggestion in one of the envelopes addressed to Mr. Macauley and drop it in fectory mail or in one of the suggestion boxes. 5 Be sure to sign your name and roll number. 1^^ o ^T^ h^^ Ssive SLtvA tea* dat vouif \eis>i^^ SUGGESTION Mr. Alvan Macauley, President and General Manager, Packard Motor Car Company **" consideration ^^"Sgestians you „ ^^^^ prize ' Jiope they S"ffffesuo„ Com, mittee. PACKARD MOTOR CAR CO. 52 Safety Suggestions and any other ideas that will promote the welfare of workmen and the efficiency of the shop are invited from all, SUGGESTION BOX BLANK Permanent Advisory Safety Committee SCOVILL MFG. COMPANY Date Due credit will be given for all suggestions approved. Write it down and drop it in the box. Boost for Safety! BOXES AT ENTRANCE GATES. Remedy N9 3915 KEEP THIS STCB ,,„ ^^^^ Name Check No.. The action taken on this suggestion will be published in the Scovill Bulletin according to number. In case you wish to make this suggestion verbally, take it up through your foreman with Mr B. J. Hine, Chairman of the Committee. SCOVILL MFG. COMPANY 53 Form No. 2S. RECOMMENDATION SLIP TENNESSEE FURNITURE CORPORATION If you know of a good man whom we should consider for a job in our shops fill out this slip and drop it in the 'time card box, or give it to the man to present to Mr, Willard at Loomis & Hart. I recommend Mr. Address... Telephone for a job as.... when there is an opening. Pis experience is.. Signed . Date TENNESSEE FURNITURE CORPORATION 54 Form 30S5-B Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company SUGGESTION BLANK See other side With a view to improving, wherever possible, its apparatus and the conditions under which it is manufactured, and of efifecting a net saving of time, money, labor or material, the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company invites practical suggestions and criticisms from all employes throughout the Works and Offices, and will award prizes, varying in amount, ior original suggestions which are accepted. Heads of departments, superintendents and regular members of the Engineering Department are not eligible for prizes, and foremen, inspectors, demonstrators, rate and production men only for suggestions as to matters outside of their own lines of work. Suggestions should be placed either in the boxes provided in the various depart- ments or sent to the Suggestion Committee through the shop mail. Their receipt will be promptly acknowledged. If the regular suggestion blanks are not available any kind of paper may be used. All suggestions will be passed upon, whenever possible, within thirty days, by the Suggestion Committee, and those submitting them will be notified as to the action taken. In addition, a list of accepted suggestions will be posted. No suggestion is of too small importance to submit for consideration. It must be appreciated that in some cases suggestions which are original with the sender will have been previously considered, or thought of by someone else, and the statement of the Suggestion Committee that any suggestion is not a new one must be accepted in good faith, even if the suggestion has not been used at that time and is put into effect later. Awards will vary in amount from $2.50 to $25.00, depending upon the value of the suggestions to the Company; and in cases where the suggestion promises to be of great importance, special compensation will. be given. An award of $5.00 in addition to the regular awards will be paid, upon the acceptance of five suggestions from any one employe. As an aid to the Suggestion Committee, employes are requested to send in their names as soon as five sug- gestions have been accepted. Following is a partial list of subjects on which suggestions are desired, though anyone is at liberty to submit ideas on any other subject. IMPEOVEMENTS IN Appaeatus Factory and Office Conditions Health Cleanliness Sanitation Ventilation Order Prevention of Fire Prevention of Accident Lighting Power Economy Quality Cost Quantity Simplicity Reliability Packing Shipping Handling Finish Design Workmanship Material MiSCEIiANEOUS Machines Tools Operations Jigs, Templates Transportation of Material Handling of Material Storage of Supplies System and Methods WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MFG. CO. (Front) 55 SUGGESTION BLANK See other side Write plainly; express your ideas so they can be readily understood; if neces- sary use another sheet of paper, in which case it should be securely attached. Be sure to sign your name and department in full. If unable to make a proper sketch and you will so state on your suggestion, the Suggestion Committee will arrange for a personal interview with the object of having such sketch made. (Signed) Date Dep't _ Check..... WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MFG. CO. (REVERSE) 56 5 ^ 1 Form 306 1ft 1 § 1 1 •s ^ 8 U H i 3 4^ 3 a •v >. a o •fH a; CO 1 o 4^ ;S 1 ^ W Oh § '+3 12: 1 >> to a u O i CA ^ f r^ M «2 V ^ fj a> •5 ^ 1 o 01 1 :9 *^ o • F^ T3 +J ^ •*H CO T3 *« 2 ^ a > b S 'S 1 ^ CO 3 4> ^ T3 ^ ;15 a; c r3 H 57 o c *i ■w • fH •ii d ^ 2 u O u Si fl "^ o a <4- d ■fe! Jh b a. S tug CO J8 :.- Ih a U c Q 4-I i >; o -3 (il ff hi S2 ^ T3 g P Oh 1 .s ^ O X a 1 s e. 1— 1 o C t 2 d .2 ^ Sf 1 1j > i &U0 c2 5 d ^ CO c u V > ■> ja -C3 4^ 1— 1 H i b c • 1- 1 ^ i g i -s f2 ! 1 58 59 Suggestion No.- Your Name- EMPLOYES' SUGGESTION PLAN e,,, I'll o the ''eiy- ?^e i)e; *«n«, So, ara "-'^i'Si. 8«t or a&out 4»( '«^ae. Our ■Sopi OJ'8, OS I TV. E. i^lSTDRE'WS chairman, BOARD OF AWAEJ>S, VawmanandFrbeMfcCq. ROCHESTEB, N. Y. 424 ST. PAUL ST. YAWMAN & ERBE MFG. CO. 60 t--- : f : 1 : 8 : ; g : a.-:: : i : ^ — . — - . — ; « — — - I 2 — - — : — - 8 : _ - — - — - g- : . . — " t — -- - 3 1 — - m s- ■ — a- 1 - - - ___, — 1 — — i ^ gS_ . . - _ - _ - - f— - — 9 ■ - « T 8- - - — B- - - 8 ?- - 1 - — 1- t 1 J « ' ■■ |- ■ -■-■'■- T q ] m ■■ ■■ ■■ ■1 ■■ ■■ ■■ ■ II ■■ 11 1 ■■ ■■ ■■ ! J! i ;; ; ; I ' ^ ' * lliilll! i i i i 1 , ill. < a. I is ll 1 1 1 n- ^llilE^^ 'SkSj R Sf 5 ? t^^ 4« n 00 o tJ ^ S H S CI H m ■■gl •H 3 OJ Z -fl+J ." X ■"S I I 61 SUGGESTIONS WHICH ARE WELCOME: 1. Regarding new fields-for the use of Eastman Kodak Company's products or fields not sufficiently covered at present ; also regarding new fields for the use of .photography. 2. Regarding new lines of product 3. Regarding improvements, on present product. 4. Regarding enhancing selling efficiency of salesmen (traveling or local) with CO -s o o o Hi o d o 09 ■M ei o >» 09 > C3 a ;Q CO ^ 9i a o U a o ■»J 09 V •Oil •OO (n •M a o u d O d +: +- . 09 •" 2 d I o •2 -§ J .a ^4 ^ Ckl 04 d u ■t-i 4> CI:; d b o o 09 t s 67 II— APPENDIX— POSTED NOTICES The 1919 Suggestion Contest g PgQ It is the pnrpose of the Company to encourage snggestionii on the part of all cm- Q>*0 gg(3 ployees and to this end it is proposed to offer, prizes for suggestions that ate adopted. Crfi Q(Q Every employee is eligible for prizes -(Fith the exception of department heads, fore- ry/4 fWS men and assistants, who will not be eligible. All prizes will be distributed among tile SWS rv/n workers. 0«Q ^S The plant will be divided into two main divisions and for each division the prizes PSQ OlO will be the same. The standing of those making suggestions will be determined not by DlO QgCJ the division in which they work but by the division to which the suggestion is applicable. O'O ?«K In olier words an employee in Division No. 1 may win a prize in Division No. 2. rVH nt/|j Division No. I will consist of Mill and Galvanizing Department and power plant rv/l fWS Division No. 2 will include the factory and {uaterial division including ware- fWS ^«Q house. OlQ if^ For each suggestion put into effect a cash prize of fl-OO will be given covering S^SjQ Ol^ suggestions classified as follows : Cw3 eryn improvements in methods and processes. O^ "k Improvements in dies, tools and equipment. r>V^ ^ Improvement in products. rV/l —Jk^ Suggeijtions that will tend toward reduction in maintenance and repairs, or im- fWS OlQ provements along this line. Qaid for each suggestion adopted there will £%Q ^Q be three prizes distributed monthly to the three workers with the highest standing in CSQ O'O each division — standing to be determined by value of suggestions. O'O SS>/S The first prize in each division will be $10.00; the second prize $5.00, and the f^/^ ^Q third prize |3.00. tMJ fSsi These prizes will be distributed, on the last day of the month following their s@5 OlO adoption. OiQ QA^ At the end of each year the record of that year will be compiled and a major cash p^ pvj^ prize distributed to the three bluest standings, considering tiie entire plant. The iXd ryCJ tiiet prize Wng f 100.00; the second f 50.00, and the third prize f 25.00. O^ s^s Suggestions may be turned in thru the safety suggestion boxes placed about the r@> t^JjJ plant, at which a pad is provided on which your suggestions may be written. If you r^vn M^ require more paper on which to write full details you may pin to this form all papers fW5 OlO which you want to become a part of your suggestion. In every case sign your name to 0— III ir- i II ■ !" ! ■ I ■■ " III ' iil ~ ili ' i n i rsm ii H' lira THE BERGER MFG. CO. 71 WANTED I! SUGGEISTIOMS That Will 1. Help Reduce PfeoDUcnoM ie -Saved. ' MATE13IAL JSaVEX",--- etc. 2.lMBBevE. CLvauty in Design- f W^-e-kman;^!!!? 3 F,TT MTi3ATP-. DISSATISFACTION SM" T*HE, H^ET "PF" OUB CuSr«>ME3Si3 SectAUSE or MtSTAiaie Made ikt MflNuiACrui^ f Shifpimc^. ., KEEP THINKIEIG about your vork at all time; study each operation and What It means to the completed article • i j: ' iQi STUDY the new CATALOG DESIGNS with the Idea of suggesting new details that will simplify or Improve our regular construction. ^^ QBE DOLLAR la paid to the author for EACH ACCEPTED saGGESIIOH af^er tt ha» passed the conralttee. House, Senate and Cabinet. After suggestion is put Into effect the Suggestion Conalttee will make reconmendatlon to the Oeneral Manager for increased award depending on the value of the suggestion. BY SuCeeSTION CoMMirTEE. siQi X iiQi You All Have Ideias As T© ¥{<°w This P^uant Should £>:e: Kui^. doME Ot^ — LETS HAVE THEM. CURTIS COMPANIES, INCOEPOKATED 72 EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. Do you laiow the value of the Kodak Suggestion System? It is a means by which you can sell -your ideas. You will no- tice the- Suggestion Blanks in boxes throughout the building - help yourself and use them. If you have an idea which you think will be of benefit to the Company, write it on one of these Suggestion Blanks, en- close in one of the envelopes supplied and send it in. We want you to be interested in the business - its success and yours are bound together and neither will prosper without the help of the other. Everybody who is really interested in Tiis work and the prosperity of the Company has good ideas from time to time. We want those ideas. Best assured that whether they are adopted or not, the fact that you have made the attempt will be appreci- ated. Suggestions have their bearing on promotion too. Suggestions will be promptly investigated and each one that is adopted will be awarded according to its merits. So speak upi Big Awards for Big Thoughts. Yours very truly, EASTMN KODAK COMPANY By ITAVtB Development Department EASTMAN KODAK CO. 73 o • • • 4J -.^3 (V Ti »i CO +-> '^ be be • l-H a > t/2 !» -^ o • outline it on Sv )x or mail it to o. 2. o O O fety appliance ilth of workers 1 O o o o a 8 o (U p C O • r-H -M o; be be a; ;-! • r—t C/5 I> 03 IB ^ s 1=1 paa* P d >- a O ^ 5> (0 -rt -Q '^ en o • l-H o a; a; o improv protect > o ft a . ft is goo in the uilding > -M 'So T3 fcJD C o 4-> c3 (6 any suggestion that you nk (Form FF-447) and dr Suggestion Commit 03 "Put Your 1 1 o _bp 'co a; unnecessary work, ools, jigs, fixtures, etc. o o o • p-H g n3 4-* CO 2 • l-H .o meration will be m ed. 03 • r-t +j -ij cr ft -, ro k !>■ on o ft ;liminate mprove 1 ft B o (=1 f2 0) 1 — 1 o > C/2 O o o o o >i 03 t H H H H H «4H ^ CO 7-i GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. WORKMAN DEPOSITING SUGGESTION IN BOX 75 g E .5 g g -a I V ° S p. ■w B X S -S bo 9 O C B V u N X =3 ^ S - ^ «^^ S 6 O E " ;S &■ I 3 A H ^ be U V •|f.&|s Is Bis „ = „ E 0.* o o - • ii "H-S y > ° « J3 ^"^ e o = - .s s > wi s) bo « bo j: u V 3 ^'liiH ato 5 o«- ?;•?» e-S£ c i 1.2 |.| X S X s U bo s,Tj 0-ox; a a E o *' E^Sui ••OS e|| pi Is la S3 -"a III £■'52 g 3 a« a Ea» V oo TJfH X B xti-r, H o= H » g x-J ■■ l"x ■p. »» a E a" » oui = = ^ u i -■£ x.S-2 B .a . t It S =• kW> > o fSi I si 9 B < £ « ^ " » s 1l = a ■§•1 •5 c S o 2** o so*' w w bo o .S .. -S .S a g o ? J E .2 - « B i: i J I ? -S .s Fl J3 ^-- •— -^ *b U . I ::;.t!.2 i - i 2 a ■3 ^i " s » -J ► « = " a D. «■= .S E B " " c o .a a ■« " = " .S — -^ B j3 ^B 6 „ o « O — a V A k 1'^ " ill I I I = £ B " • - - j .: i ? 5 .S S .S . 2 -S " a ■! i 1 S S, » ; £ S - I il J -i I: : <.% iUl •1 e- ■ '5l l^t i 1 ! S f = ^■.•l -■'■■ 76 SUGGESTION CONTEST FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY $500.22 In Prizes EACH « « ONE PRIZE OF $100 TWO " « 50 TWO " " 25 TEN " " 10 THIRTY « « 5 OBJECT: The Suggestion Contest is to encourage employees to submit their ideas to the Company, and to give those ideas thorough and fear consideration. WHO MAY MAKE SUGGESTIONS: All employees of the Packard Motor Car Company are invited to make suggestions. In making decisions as to rewards, particular consideration will be given to ideas which are within direct range of the employee's work. However, in the case of Heads of Departments, Foremen, and other executives, their suggestions should preferably pertain to matters outside their own departments. What To Suggest 6. How to save what is now lost 9. Or wasted. How to economize time, ma^ chinery, stock, supplies, etc 10. How to make a better tool. How to improve a jig or fix- ture. How to eliminate hand or ma- H. chine operations (such as fil- ing) by changes in tools or pattern. 12, How to handle the work bet- ter or move it quicker. 13. How arrangements of ma- chinery, took or supplies can be improved. Suggestions for the use of mate- 14. rial now being scrapped. SEEMINGLY TRIVIAL How to make any part of our cars or trucks better or cheaper. How to improve factory con- venience, or the strength, dur- ability or appearance of our cars or trucks. bnprovements for handling material and finished cars and trucks. New features for increasing usefulness of cars or trucks. How to eliminate unnecessary help where an employee knows the work can be done by fewer people. Improvements in ventilation, sanitation and all other mat- SUGGESTIONS ARE OFTEN ters which will promote health, safety and comJFwt of our em- ployees. Improvements in record sys- tem, statistical records, cost system, premium and time- keeping system. How to improve methods of filing and handling infonna- tion. How to diminate clerical work. Suggestions for the elinunation of unnecessary reports. How to eliminate unnecessary printing e^ense. Where machinery can be used instead of hand work. OF GREAT VALUE 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. How To Make Suggestions Suggestions should be written as plainly and fully as possible on the printed forms furnished for that purpose. Forms will be found in convenient places throughout the plant. Sketches should be fur- nished whoever necessary to explain the suggestion. Suggestions should be placed in a sealed envelope, addressed to the President and General Man- ager, and dropped in the factory mail or in one of the suggestion boxes. How Suggestions Will Be Handled As soon as received, a suggestion will be time stamped and receipt acknowledged by letter. After consideration of the suggestion by a committee appointed by the President and General Manager, the suggestor will be notifi^ of the acceptance or rejection of his suggestion and the reason therefor. ALVAN MACAULEY, January 23, 1920 President and General Manager PACKARD MOTOR CAR CO. 77 MADE IN AMERICA Office of the President and General Manager 'DETROlT.tMrCBMSA. Janxiary 23, 1920. TO PACKABB EMPLOraBSJ AM OPPQRTOTITY FOR BRAIHS I toiow there are a lot of good thlnkere In the Packard organiaation and I believe our men can give us some good Ideas for the Improvement of the buelnese If they are asked, and, therefore, 1 have proposed the Suggestion Contest, which Is announced herewith. The company will give prizes for the most useful suggestions submitted. The difference between one man and another is largely in the capacity to think. Some men trail along doing their work day after day; other men not oxay do their work but think about it Intelligently and consider how It can be done better. The men who are of the most value to the company and who draw the most money are those who think most, and whose actions are directed by intelligent, alert minds. Here is a chance to show the management how observant you can be I All suggeations submitted will be carefully and fairly considered. I am asking that the suggestions be dropped in the Suggestion Boxes, or the factory mail; then collected and brought to my office. Our l&cecutive Committee will then appoint a committee to consider and pass upon these suggestions, and the report oj the Suggestion Committee will finally be considered and passed upon by the Execu- tive Committee, consisting of the President and Vice Presidents of the company. We hope to have suggestions from as many of the organization as possible - the more the better I They will all have honest, sympathetic,, fair consideration. President PACKARD MOTOR CAR CO. 78 $500.00 REWARD O VER $500.00 will be awarded as Grand Prizes for suggestions which have been accepted during the first = period of the Suggestion Contest ending October 30th. Are YOU going to be one of the Prize Winners? There is still time to turn in that suggestion you have been thinking about, but don't put it off any longer. Re- member that your suggestion has to be accepted before October 30th if you want it to be considered for a Grand Prize this period. We will do everything we can to close all open sug- gestions before this time but in order to make sure of yours, we would suggest that it be sent in before October 15th at the latest. Let's make the Grand Prize Committee Sit up and Take Notice. S. R BOWSER CBi, CO., Inc. SUGGESTION DEPT. S. F. 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