How can I elicit new ideas from my workforce?

A: Within any organisation the employees represent a rich source of information and ideas which could prove invaluable in helping build and expand it. The best employers are proactive in their pursuit of new ideas, actively encouraging their workforces to openly and confidently share their views.

Fear of being shot down by management is a big deterrent for employees in coming forward with new creative ideas. For an employee, their career is also their livelihood; therefore they may be less inclined to speak with openness and honesty. Implementing an open door policy and encouraging employees to communicate with management regardless of the subject matter will help eliminate a management employee divide. Employers who demonstrate a genuine passion and enthusiasm for engaging their staff in the business, releasing their true potential will surely reap the benefits of a more content and productive work environment.

For employees who are more shy or reserved, creating an environment that encourages expressivity is the first step to breaking down communication barriers and increasing employee contribution. As the employer, you should reinforce the importance of sharing ideas with management, no matter how big or small. All ideas should be welcomed and appreciated, even if some of these ideas prove to be less than practical. In this instance, it is still important to respond to and provide constructive feedback to the relevant employee. Failing to deliver feedback on ideas may reflect poorly on your leadership style and will result in members of staff feeling underappreciated, impeding any new ideas being pitched.

If your employees require further encouragement to share their ideas, try creating an informal situation in which they feel more confident in expressing themselves. Approaching a senior can sometimes be daunting, so setting up an employee focus group or ideas committee could be a positive step forward. Being among peers should promote a more relaxed environment and encourage free-flowing and open dialogue. By taking notes on ideas and delivering those to management you could minimise awkward conversations and increase the honesty of the responses.

Hopefully by implementing these suggestions you will discover fresh and innovative ideas from your workforce – which otherwise may never have surfaced – increasing productivity and adding a new dimension of value to your organisation.

David Price is managing director of Health Assured