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Harnessing employee ideas:
Campaign resources
Employee ideas can unlock fresh perspectives, uncover hidden opportunities, and help organizations address challenges more effectively.
Embracing and implementing those ideas in a scalable way can be challenging, so how can you make it more manageable? Through employee idea campaigns.
Idea campaigns are time-bound initiatives built around specific themes, challenges, or personas. Organizations and leaders can create campaigns that challenge and empower employees to contribute their thoughts and feedback in response to specific prompts or through completely open-ended questions that encourage engagement.
Below you will find idea campaign themes, real-world examples of related employee ideas, and open-ended questions to coax the best ideas from the people who know your business better than anyone.
Employee innovation ideas in action: 3M
3M scientist Spencer Silver’s invention — a sticky, but not solid, adhesive — went without use for years until Art Fry, a fellow 3M employee, needed a bookmark that would stick to the paper without damaging the pages.
Once they found themselves writing messages on their new notes to communicate around the office, they realized the full potential of the idea.
“I thought, what we have here isn’t just a bookmark. It’s a whole new way to communicate.” – Art Fry
Post-it Notes now generate some $1 billion annually and dominate the self–stick note market. Now that’s what we call a sticky business idea!
Related business story:
Driving innovation with new products or services
Objectives: To find new and disruptive ideas and maintain competitive advantage.
Success measures:
Number of ideas implemented
Revenue generated ($)
Type of employee idea campaign:
Employee questions for product innovation ideas
Foster a culture of innovation with these open-ended questions to help employees nurture and share great ideas.
1. What areas or aspects of our product/services do you think could be improved or enhanced to better meet customer needs?
2. In your opinion, what are some untapped opportunities or markets that we could potentially address?
3. If you had the freedom and resources to work on any new product or feature, what would it be and why?
4. How do you think our product/service could differentiate itself from competitors?
5. What emerging technologies or trends do you think we should consider incorporating to stay ahead of the curve?
6. Can you share any customer feedback or suggestions you’ve received that you believe could lead to innovative ideas?
7. If you could change one thing about our products/services, what would it be and how do you think it could benefit our customers?
8. What are some pain points or challenges you’ve observed customers facing when using our products/ services, and do you have any ideas how we could address them?
9. Are there any features or functionalities that you believe are missing from our products, and if so, why do you think they are important?
10. How can we create a better customer experience?
11. What opportunities do you see for us to expand into new markets or industries?
12. Can you think of any unconventional or out-of-the-box ideas that could potentially revolutionize our products/services?
Employee cost saving ideas in action: DIAGEO
In 2016, Diageo, the beverages multinational behind the likes of Smirnoff and Guinness, wanted to focus on internal costs.
The company launched a campaign – titled ‘If it was my money’ – asking its 35,000 employees to share ideas to improve productivity.
“By acting like owners, we can all make a difference to fuel growth.” – Diageo
A number of ideas were implemented, such as converting steam from the production process back into power, and the campaign was judged a success. We’ll drink to that!
Related business story:
Cutting costs with insider ideas
Objectives: To generate solutions to increase
efficiency and reduce cost.
Success measures:
Cumulative cost savings ($)
Labor productivity (%)
Wastage reduction ($)
Type of employee idea campaign:
Employee questions for cost cutting ideas
Uncover potential areas where savings can be made with these open-ended questions to help employees consider cost-cutting initiatives.
1. In your day-to-day work, do you come across any inefficiencies or processes that you think could be streamlined to save time and resources? If so, can you describe them?
2. Are there any expenses or resources that you believe could be reduced or eliminated without negatively impacting our operations or quality? What are your thoughts on how we can achieve this?
3. Have you noticed any areas where we may be overspending or where we could negotiate better deals with suppliers? Please share your observations and any ideas you have for cost savings in those areas.
4. How can we encourage a culture of cost-consciousness among colleagues? Do you have any suggestions for promoting mindful spending and resource allocation within the organization?
5. Are there any alternative materials, tools, or technologies that we could consider adopting to reduce costs without compromising the quality or functionality of our products or services?
6. Can you think of any creative ways we can optimize our energy usage or reduce waste within our facilities? This could include initiatives related to electricity, water, packaging, or recycling.
7. Are there any tasks or processes that could potentially be automated or streamlined using technology? If so, please describe your ideas and how they could be implemented.
8. Have you encountered any opportunities to consolidate or centralize certain functions or processes within our organization? How do you think this could result in cost savings or operational efficiencies?
9. Are there any training or professional development programs that could be implemented to enhance skills and productivity while minimizing external hiring and associated costs?
10. How can we improve our inventory management practices to minimize waste, reduce carrying costs, and ensure optimal stock levels?
Employee cost saving ideas in action: Mencap
Mencap is a UK charity for people with learning disabilities. Despite doing great work in the field, an internal survey revealed that some employees felt disconnected from leadership.
In response, the organization launched “Your Mencap Conversation” and invited its 9,000 colleagues to suggest new ways that leaders could communicate.
“In what practical ways can managers involve you in the decisions that affect you?” – Mencap
From vlog updates by the leadership team to coffee catch-ups, a number of initiatives were launched to ensure Mencap colleagues feel valued, happy, and engaged. The best conversations are two-way.
Related business story:
Driving better employee experience by listening
Objectives: To drive employee engagement and
improve morale.
Success measures:
Employee NPS®
Employee retention rate (%)
Type of employee idea campaign:
Questions for employee experience ideas
Empower employees to share their valuable insights into how your organization culture can be improved withed these open-ended employee experience questions.
1. If you could design an ideal work environment that maximizes productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing, what would it look like? Please describe the key elements or features you would include.
2. Imagine we had unlimited resources to invest in enhancing our employee experience. What innovative programs or initiatives would you propose to create a truly exceptional workplace?
3. How do you think we can better foster a sense of community and belonging among staff? Are there any unique or creative ideas you have in mind for promoting stronger connections and collaboration within our organization?
4. What new benefits or perks would you suggest that could significantly contribute to a positive employee experience? How do you think these additions would impact satisfaction and engagement?
5. Are there any unconventional or out-of-the-box ideas you have for recognizing and rewarding achievements? How do you envision these ideas positively impacting the overall employee experience?
6. In your opinion, what can we do to promote continuous learning and professional growth opportunities? Do you have any fresh ideas on how we can cultivate a culture of learning and development?
7. If you were given the authority to redesign our performance evaluation and feedback processes, what changes would you make to ensure a fair, transparent, and motivating system?
8. How can we leverage technology to improve the employee experience? Are there any specific digital tools or platforms that you believe would enhance communication, collaboration, or productivity?
9. Are there any initiatives or practices from other companies or industries that you find inspiring or innovative in terms of employee experience? How do you think we could adapt or implement those ideas within our organization?
10. If you could introduce a new employee engagement program that encourages creativity, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration, what would it be and why?
Employee cost saving ideas in action: Yahoo
As the newly appointed CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer was on a mission to turn the company around. She introduced ‘CEO Challenge,’ asking anyone, anywhere in the company to propose new ideas to help the business.
“I was blown away because there were so many people with ideas and so much energy to try and improve the company. It was just waiting for someone to come and harness it.” – Marissa Mayer
The campaign exceeded all expectations, with employees sharing over 800 new ideas. Almost 200 of them went on to become sponsored projects resulting in tens of millions of dollars in new revenue
Related business story:
Ideas to help leaders perform better
Objectives: To strengthen the link between leadership
and employees.
Success measures:
% of employees engaged
CEO approval rating
Type of employee idea campaign:
1. If you had the opportunity to shape the future of leadership within our organization, what innovative practices or approaches would you introduce? Please share your ideas on how we can redefine leadership for the better.
2. In your opinion, what are some unconventional or out-of-the-box ways in which leaders can inspire and motivate their teams? Can you think of any unique strategies or initiatives that would create a positive and empowering leadership experience?
3. How do you think leaders can effectively promote a culture of innovation and risk-taking within our organization? Are there any specific methods or programs you would suggest to encourage creativity and experimentation?
4. Imagine a leadership style that is completely different from what we currently have. What would it look like? What impact do you believe this alternative leadership style would have on employee engagement and overall organizational success?
5. Are there any non-traditional leadership development approaches that you think could be effective? How can we foster leadership skills and qualities in employees outside of the typical hierarchical structure?
6. If you could introduce a mentorship or coaching program to enhance leadership development within our organization, how would it operate? What specific benefits or outcomes do you anticipate from such a program?
7. Can you envision any innovative ways in which leaders can foster a sense of ownership and autonomy among employees? How do you think these approaches would empower individuals to take initiative and contribute to the organization's success?
8. How can leaders effectively leverage technology and digital tools to enhance their leadership capabilities and connect with employees? Do you have any ideas on how we can embrace digital leadership in a meaningful way?
9. What steps can leaders take to cultivate a diverse and inclusive work environment? Are there any unique strategies or initiatives you would recommend to ensure equitable leadership practices and opportunities?
10. If you could redesign our leadership communication channels, what changes would you make? How can leaders improve their communication methods and ensure that employees feel heard, informed, and valued?
Understand and enhance the quality of leadership in your organization with these open-ended questions for unlocking employee perspectives.
Employee questions for leadership ideas
Employee company strategy ideas in action: AstraZeneca
What happens when you put the future direction of a $25 billion company in the hands of its employees?
That’s the bold decision AstraZeneca made when they decided to crowdsource their 2025 strategy from over 64,000 employees across the globe.
The campaign was an open invitation for every employee to have their say. And they did just that. Over the course of 3 weeks, 23,000 ideas were shared, many of which have gone on to shape the future of the company.
“The A2025 campaign has been a game changer and AstraZeneca is a stronger company now because of it.”
– Scott Wilkins
Related business story:
Ideas to help leaders perform better
Objectives: To enable employees to shape the
future of the business
Success measures:
% of employees engaged
Number of ideas per employee
Type of employee idea campaign:
Employee questions for company strategy
Drive strategic excellence through the collective wisdom of your organization with these open-ended employee questions.
1. If you were in a leadership position and had the authority to shape our company's future strategy, what new market opportunities or innovative approaches would you explore? Please share your ideas on how we can strategically position ourselves for growth and success.
2. Can you identify any emerging trends or technologies that you believe our company should consider incorporating into our strategic plans? How do you think these elements could give us a competitive advantage in the market?
3. Are there any untapped customer segments or niche markets that you think our company could target? What strategies or initiatives would you recommend to capture these opportunities and expand our reach?
4. How do you envision our company evolving in the next five years? Are there any bold or transformative ideas you have in mind that would reshape our industry or disrupt traditional business models?
5. What new products, services, or business lines do you believe we should consider exploring to diversify our offerings and revenue streams? How do you think these new ventures align with our core competencies and customer needs?
6. Can you think of any strategic partnerships or collaborations that would benefit our company? Are there any specific organizations or industries with which you believe we should explore mutually beneficial relationships?
7. How can our company leverage sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of our overall strategy? What innovative ways do you envision us making a positive social and environmental impact while driving business growth?
8. Are there any operational or process improvements that you think could enhance our company's efficiency and effectiveness? How can we optimize our internal processes and workflows to better support our strategic objectives?
9. If you had the freedom to reallocate resources within the company, how would you prioritize investments to align with our strategic goals? What areas or initiatives do you believe should receive increased or decreased focus?
10. How can we foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within our company's strategic framework? Are there any specific mechanisms or programs you would suggest to encourage creative thinking and experimentation?
The step-by-step plan to creating an employee listening strategy
What’s next? It’s time to put an employee listening strategy in place. Discover everything you need to know about planning, executing, and measuring a successful strategy with this guide.
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Type of employee
idea campaign:
Driving innovation with new products or services
Objectives: To find new and disruptive ideas and maintain competitive advantage.
Success measures:
Number of ideas implemented
Revenue generated ($)
Related
business story:
Employee innovation ideas in action: 3M
3M scientist Spencer Silver’s invention — a sticky, but not solid, adhesive — went without use for years until Art Fry, a fellow 3M employee, needed a bookmark that would stick to the paper without damaging the pages.
Once they found themselves writing messages on their new notes to communicate around the office, they realized the full potential of the idea.
“I thought, what we have here isn’t just a bookmark. It’s a whole new way to communicate.” – Art Fry
Post-it Notes now generate some $1 billion annually and dominate the self–stick note market. Now that’s what we call a sticky business idea!
Employee questions for product innovation ideas
Empower employees to share their valuable insights into how your organization culture can be improved withed these open-ended employee experience questions.
1. What areas or aspects of our product/services do you think could be improved or enhanced to better meet customer needs?
2. In your opinion, what are some untapped opportunities or markets that we could potentially address?
3. If you had the freedom and resources to work on any new product or feature, what would it be and why?
4. How do you think our product/service could differentiate itself from competitors?
5. What emerging technologies or trends do you think we should consider incorporating to stay ahead of the curve?
6. Can you share any customer feedback or suggestions you’ve received that you believe could lead to innovative ideas?
7. If you could change one thing about our products/services, what would it be and how do you think it could benefit our customers?
8. What are some pain points or challenges you’ve observed customers facing when using our products/ services, and do you have any ideas how we could address them?
9. Are there any features or functionalities that you believe are missing from our products, and if so, why do you think they are important?
10. How can we create a better customer experience?
11. What opportunities do you see for us to expand into new markets or industries?
12. Can you think of any unconventional or out-of-the-box ideas that could potentially revolutionize our products/services?
Type of employee
idea campaign:
Cutting costs with insider ideas
Objectives: To generate solutions to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Success measures:
Cumulative cost savings ($)
Labor productivity (%)
Wastage reduction ($)
Employee cost saving ideas in action: DIAGEO
In 2016, Diageo, the beverages multinational behind the likes of Smirnoff and Guinness, wanted to focus on internal costs.
The company launched a campaign – titled ‘If it was my money’ – asking its 35,000 employees to share ideas to improve productivity.
“By acting like owners, we can all make a difference to fuel growth.”
– Diageo
A number of ideas were implemented, such as converting steam from the production process back into power, and the campaign was judged a success. We’ll drink to that!
Related
business story:
Uncover potential areas where savings can be made with these open-ended questions to help employees consider cost-cutting initiatives.
1. In your day-to-day work, do you come across any inefficiencies or processes that you think could be streamlined to save time and resources? If so, can you describe them?
2. Are there any expenses or resources that you believe could be reduced or eliminated without negatively impacting our operations or quality? What are your thoughts on how we can achieve this?
3. Have you noticed any areas where we may be overspending or where we could negotiate better deals with suppliers? Please share your observations and any ideas you have for cost savings in those areas.
4. How can we encourage a culture of cost-consciousness among colleagues? Do you have any suggestions for promoting mindful spending and resource allocation within the organization?
5. Are there any alternative materials, tools, or technologies that we could consider adopting to reduce costs without compromising the quality or functionality of our products or services?
6. Can you think of any creative ways we can optimize our energy usage or reduce waste within our facilities? This could include initiatives related to electricity, water, packaging, or recycling.
7. Are there any tasks or processes that could potentially be automated or streamlined using technology? If so, please describe your ideas and how they could be implemented.
8. Have you encountered any opportunities to consolidate or centralize certain functions or processes within our organization? How do you think this could result in cost savings or operational efficiencies?
9. Are there any training or professional development programs that could be implemented to enhance skills and productivity while minimizing external hiring and associated costs?
10. How can we improve our inventory management practices to minimize waste, reduce carrying costs, and ensure optimal stock levels?
Employee questions
for cost cutting ideas
Type of employee
idea campaign:
Driving better employee experience by listening
Objectives: To drive employee engagement and
improve morale.
Success measures:
Cumulative cost savings ($)
Labor productivity (%)
Related
business story:
Employee cost saving ideas in action: Mencap
Mencap is a UK charity for people with learning disabilities. Despite doing great work in the field, an internal survey revealed that some employees felt disconnected from leadership.
In response, the organization launched “Your Mencap Conversation” and invited its 9,000 colleagues to suggest new ways that leaders could communicate.
“In what practical ways can managers involve you in the decisions that affect you?”
– Mencap
From vlog updates by the leadership team to coffee catch-ups, a number of initiatives were launched to ensure Mencap colleagues feel valued, happy, and engaged. The best conversations are two-way.
Uncover potential areas where savings can be made with these open-ended questions to help employees consider cost-cutting initiatives.
1. If you could design an ideal work environment that maximizes productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing, what would it look like? Please describe the key elements or features you would include.
2. Imagine we had unlimited resources to invest in enhancing our employee experience. What innovative programs or initiatives would you propose to create a truly exceptional workplace?
3. How do you think we can better foster a sense of community and belonging among staff? Are there any unique or creative ideas you have in mind for promoting stronger connections and collaboration within our organization?
4. What new benefits or perks would you suggest that could significantly contribute to a positive employee experience? How do you think these additions would impact satisfaction and engagement?
5. Are there any unconventional or out-of-the-box ideas you have for recognizing and rewarding achievements? How do you envision these ideas positively impacting the overall employee experience?
6. In your opinion, what can we do to promote continuous learning and professional growth opportunities? Do you have any fresh ideas on how we can cultivate a culture of learning and development?
7. If you were given the authority to redesign our performance evaluation and feedback processes, what changes would you make to ensure a fair, transparent, and motivating system?
8. How can we leverage technology to improve the employee experience? Are there any specific digital tools or platforms that you believe would enhance communication, collaboration, or productivity?
9. Are there any initiatives or practices from other companies or industries that you find inspiring or innovative in terms of employee experience? How do you think we could adapt or implement those ideas within our organization?
10. If you could introduce a new employee engagement program that encourages creativity, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration, what would it be and why?
Questions for employee experience ideas
Ideas to help leaders perform better
Objectives: To strengthen the link betweek leadership and employees.
Success measures:
Type of employee
idea campaign:
Number of ideas implemented
Revenue generated ($)
Employee cost saving ideas in action: Yahoo
As the newly appointed CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer was on a mission to turn the company around. She introduced ‘CEO Challenge,’ asking anyone, anywhere in the company to propose new ideas to help the business.
“I was blown away because there were so many people with ideas and so much energy to try and improve the company. It was just waiting for someone to come and harness it.”
– Marissa Mayer
The campaign exceeded all expectations, with employees sharing over 800 new ideas. Almost 200 of them went on to become sponsored projects resulting in tens of millions of dollars in new revenue
Understand and enhance the quality of leadership in your organization with these open-ended questions for unlocking employee perspectives.
1. If you had the opportunity to shape the future of leadership within our organization, what innovative practices or approaches would you introduce? Please share your ideas on how we can redefine leadership for the better.
2. In your opinion, what are some unconventional or out-of-the-box ways in which leaders can inspire and motivate their teams? Can you think of any unique strategies or initiatives that would create a positive and empowering leadership experience?
3. How do you think leaders can effectively promote a culture of innovation and risk-taking within our organization? Are there any specific methods or programs you would suggest to encourage creativity and experimentation?
4. Imagine a leadership style that is completely different from what we currently have. What would it look like? What impact do you believe this alternative leadership style would have on employee engagement and overall organizational success?
5. Are there any non-traditional leadership development approaches that you think could be effective? How can we foster leadership skills and qualities in employees outside of the typical hierarchical structure?
6. If you could introduce a mentorship or coaching program to enhance leadership development within our organization, how would it operate? What specific benefits or outcomes do you anticipate from such a program?
7. Can you envision any innovative ways in which leaders can foster a sense of ownership and autonomy among employees? How do you think these approaches would empower individuals to take initiative and contribute to the organization's success?
8. How can leaders effectively leverage technology and digital tools to enhance their leadership capabilities and connect with employees? Do you have any ideas on how we can embrace digital leadership in a meaningful way?
9. What steps can leaders take to cultivate a diverse and inclusive work environment? Are there any unique strategies or initiatives you would recommend to ensure equitable leadership practices and opportunities?
10. If you could redesign our leadership communication channels, what changes would you make? How can leaders improve their communication methods and ensure that employees feel heard, informed, and valued?
Employee questions for
leadership ideas
Type of employee
idea campaign:
Company strategy ideas
Objectives: To enable employees to shape the future of the business
Success measures:
% of employees engaged
Number of ideas per employee
Related
business story:
Related
business story:
Employee company strategy ideas in action: AstraZeneca
What happens when you put the future direction of a $25 billion company in the hands of its employees?
That’s the bold decision AstraZeneca made when they decided to crowdsource their 2025 strategy from over 64,000 employees across the globe.
The campaign was an open invitation for every employee to have their say. And they did just that. Over the course of 3 weeks, 23,000 ideas were shared, many of which have gone on to shape the future of the company.
“The A2025 campaign has been a game changer and AstraZeneca is a stronger company now because of it.” – Scott Wilkins
Employee questions for
company strategy
Drive strategic excellence through the collective wisdom of your organization with these open-ended employee questions.
1. If you were in a leadership position and had the authority to shape our company's future strategy, what new market opportunities or innovative approaches would you explore? Please share your ideas on how we can strategically position ourselves for growth and success.
2. Can you identify any emerging trends or technologies that you believe our company should consider incorporating into our strategic plans? How do you think these elements could give us a competitive advantage in the market?
3. Are there any untapped customer segments or niche markets that you think our company could target? What strategies or initiatives would you recommend to capture these opportunities and expand our reach?
4. How do you envision our company evolving in the next five years? Are there any bold or transformative ideas you have in mind that would reshape our industry or disrupt traditional business models?
5. What new products, services, or business lines do you believe we should consider exploring to diversify our offerings and revenue streams? How do you think these new ventures align with our core competencies and customer needs?
6. Can you think of any strategic partnerships or collaborations that would benefit our company? Are there any specific organizations or industries with which you believe we should explore mutually beneficial relationships?
7. How can our company leverage sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of our overall strategy? What innovative ways do you envision us making a positive social and environmental impact while driving business growth?
8. Are there any operational or process improvements that you think could enhance our company's efficiency and effectiveness? How can we optimize our internal processes and workflows to better support our strategic objectives?
9. If you had the freedom to reallocate resources within the company, how would you prioritize investments to align with our strategic goals? What areas or initiatives do you believe should receive increased or decreased focus?
10. How can we foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within our company's strategic framework? Are there any specific mechanisms or programs you would suggest to encourage creative thinking and experimentation?