Starting HR Initiatives: How Do I Kick Off and Implement Ideas Like a Suggestion Tree?

Hi All,

I wish to start a few HR initiatives in my organization. Initially, I want to start with things like a Suggestion Tree, family visits, Birthday celebrations, etc. I have talked to my boss about this, and he has approved it and wants me to start it as soon as possible. Now, I am stuck with the matter because I don't know how to go about it. How do I begin? How do I implement such practices? Is there any procedure? Can you help me with this? It would be a great help if someone gives me input or shares their experience of initiating the same in their organization.

Thanks

Regards,

Ritu07

Hi Ritu,

I have a soft spot for all initiatives; it's much better than sitting and grumbling, and cribbing about nothing happening. Well, all the best in your venture.

I am sharing a few ideas with you, but tweak them to align with your organization's culture.

Family time - Set a day once a quarter for family visits. Let the child experience where their parents work. Perhaps you can allocate a day. Invite the family members in the late afternoon. Serve snacks and refreshments. Organize games for the kids like drawing competitions (things their parents can display on the softboard at their workstations), some coordination-based games for the adults, and conclude with office activities.

Suggestion box - Have a suggestion box placed physically or online. Allocate a week for cafeteria suggestions, transportation suggestions, and more.

You can introduce a variation of suggestions. Dedicate a week for people to write positive points about their coworkers; it can be done anonymously. You can read these out on family day. This will give employees a sense of pride hearing positive feedback in front of their families. Make sure all staff members' names are mentioned. If someone is missed, let the HR department add them.

Please ensure punctuality. Try to adhere to the schedule; it will be appreciated, and attendees can relax without worrying about running late. Commence the program at the announced time and aim to finish within the scheduled timeframe.

Hope these suggestions help you get started.

Forum:

Establish forums for various categories, e.g., firefighting, first aid, health and safety, environment, waste minimization, quality circle, etc. At least one person, preferably two, from each process/work area needs to be a member. Meetings should occur at least once a quarter. Various companies reward employees for good suggestions/ideas. Some companies even include two process improvements in the KRAs of every employee. Initially, in the suggestion box scheme, you will be flooded with cosmetic ideas. Remember to acknowledge each suggestion and find ways to say YES to every suggestion (mostly people try to maintain the status quo, i.e., no change).

Surya

Thank you so much, Surya. I will definitely work on some of these. In fact, forums seem to be an apt idea for my kind of organization. I will look forward to your guidance again.

Thanks,
Regards,
Ritu07

Keep us posted on the implementation hiccups so that all can learn from your company's experiences.

Surya

Hi Ritu,

My approach towards such activities is by forming Committees. For example, I would start a fun team with people representing different teams or a sports team with individuals from various teams. I will guide them on how it can be implemented. This way, you get maximum buy-in from the people, and it will be very effective.

Harish

Forming a Team for HR Initiatives

You can form a team comprising representatives from each of your departments. Find out their special skills or organizing abilities. Take their suggestions, find solutions with their help, analyze the pros and cons, make a detailed proposal, and get management's approval!

Best wishes