EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Ideas 2000

Plant Operations recognizes the value of an empowered work environment and the input we receive from our employees. Not a day goes by where someone doesn’t come up with a good idea or suggestion, an improvement to implement, or a creative way to problem-solve while on the job. Ideas 2000 was developed by the C.A.R.E. Team to recognize employees for those good ideas that they come up with.

You’re probably wondering how to get that good idea to someone who can help put it into action. The C.A.R.E. Team has devised a system to help you get your innovative idea out of your mind, off the drawing board and into being. There is a form online you can fill out that sends your great idea right to the C.A.R.E. team for review. If you’d rather write it up and drop it in the Ideas 2000 suggestion box or turn it into your supervisor, that’s fine too. It’s really quite easy to do!

If your idea is original, realistic and hasn’t been submitted by anyone else, we’ll turn it over to the right person for consi-deration for implementation. And now, you’ll be the recipient of a C.A.R.E. coupon redeemable for one of the fabulous items in our new, updated catalog. Upon implementation of your idea, you’ll receive three more coupons for a grand total of four coupons.

Now, what kind of idea is good? Do you have to redesign the underground steam tunnel system or come up with a way to reinvent the wheel in order to have a good idea? Sorry, but it’s just not that hard. Though some of the ideas submitted have been rather complex, many are straightforward and have been implemented quickly. Bruce Morrison, from Grounds & Waste Management Services, submitted such an idea that was implemented easily with the cooperation of Larry Niemi in Transportation and Parking Services.

Bruce suggested installing stick-on convex mirrors to existing side view mirrors on the Grounds Department service vehicles. The additional mirrors would enhance the driver’s view and reduce or eliminate those blind spots that many drivers encounter while backing up. By giving drivers an expanded view of what was behind them, the mirrors would reduce the number of accidents that occurred. John Lawter, Associate Director of Grounds & Waste Management Services, thought this a good idea too, and gave his stamp of approval.

I called Transportation Services and spoke to Larry Niemi, Assistant Parts Manager, about the best way to implement this idea. He came up with a simple plan that was cost-effective and efficient time-wise. When Grounds vehicles came in for regular maintenance or in for other services, a convex mirror would be applied at that time. In short, it was easy and effective implementation plan with minor inconvenience to all. Thanks, Larry!

So the next time you have another one of those good ideas, send it to the C.A.R.E. team for consideration. Your idea might get implemented like Bruce’s did. You’ll get the satisfaction of having your good idea recognized, you’ll receive coupons to redeem, and who knows, you might become famous!

~ Pam Smith
Recycling Office

Pam Smith is a member of the CARE Team and part of the Recycling Office Staff. Please visit the Ideas 2000 webpage at
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/director/CARE/forms/ideas_2000.html

You Just Can’t Buy This Stuff!
OK, so you’ve amassed a collection of C.A.R.E. Program coupons – for perfect attendance, exemplary customer service, and perhaps a great suggestion. There has never been a better time to take advantage of the quality and selections in the newest C.A.R.E. catalog. It’s true – you can’t buy this stuff – but you can redeem your coupons for nifty items like our customized “Wearable Awards”; clothing embroidered with the Plant Operations’ logo. Or you can choose from a wide range of items including tools, kitchen accessories, camping equipment and jewelry. See your supervisor or C.A.R.E. Tea m representative for a catalog and place your order!