West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 147 - Employee Suggestion Award Board
1. Overview of Agency 147 – Employee Suggestion Award Board
Agency 147 refers to the Employee Suggestion Award Board established under the West Virginia Code of State Rules. This program encourages state government employees to contribute innovative ideas and suggestions to improve state government efficiency, service delivery, or cost-effectiveness.
The Employee Suggestion Award Board evaluates these suggestions and provides financial incentives or awards to employees whose ideas are adopted for implementation.
2. Statutory Authority
The Employee Suggestion Award Board is authorized under West Virginia Code §5-1-19, which empowers the Governor to establish a program where employees can submit suggestions that help improve the performance or functioning of state government agencies.
The rules under Agency 147 outline how the program operates, including the procedures for submitting suggestions, evaluation criteria, and award distribution.
3. Purpose and Policy
The primary goal of Agency 147 is to:
Encourage state employees to actively participate in the improvement of government services.
Foster innovation by rewarding practical suggestions that lead to cost savings or more efficient service delivery.
Improve the overall functioning of state agencies through ideas that can simplify processes, reduce expenses, or enhance public services.
4. Key Provisions of Agency 147
a. Definitions (§147-1-2)
The rules define key terms such as:
Employee: Any current state employee who is part of the suggestion program.
Suggestion: An idea or proposal put forth by an employee that aims to improve government operations, services, or procedures.
Award: A financial incentive or recognition given to the employee if their suggestion is adopted and results in improvements.
These definitions help ensure clarity around the roles and benefits within the program.
b. Submitting Suggestions (§147-1-3)
Employees wishing to submit a suggestion must:
Complete a suggestion form: This includes a detailed description of the idea and its potential impact.
Submit the form to the Employee Suggestion Award Board: The form is submitted through designated channels, which could include digital platforms or paper submissions, depending on the agency.
Provide relevant information: This might include potential cost savings, improvements to workflow, or efficiencies gained through the implementation of the idea.
The form should be as specific as possible to ensure the board can fully understand and evaluate the suggestion.
c. Evaluation of Suggestions (§147-1-4)
Once submitted, suggestions are evaluated by the Employee Suggestion Award Board. The evaluation process considers:
Feasibility: Whether the suggestion is practical and can be implemented effectively.
Cost savings: How much money the idea could potentially save the state.
Impact on operations: How the suggestion could improve service delivery, efficiency, or productivity within state agencies.
Innovation: Whether the idea is novel or represents a significant improvement over current processes.
The board may consult with relevant experts or agencies to assess the impact and practicality of each suggestion.
d. Awarding Incentives (§147-1-5)
If a suggestion is deemed valuable and is adopted for implementation, the employee may be eligible for an award. The board determines the type and amount of the award based on factors such as:
The degree of innovation or originality of the idea.
The scale of the cost savings or operational improvement achieved.
The extent of implementation across the state agency.
Awards are typically monetary, but they may also include non-monetary recognitions like certificates or public acknowledgment.
e. Program Administration and Management (§147-1-6)
The Employee Suggestion Award Board is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the program. Its responsibilities include:
Reviewing suggestions and making award decisions.
Ensuring compliance with the program’s rules and regulations.
Managing the budget allocated for awards and ensuring funds are appropriately distributed.
Keeping records of all suggestions received and the awards given.
f. Appeals Process (§147-1-7)
If an employee disagrees with the evaluation or award decision, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process allows employees to submit additional information or clarify their suggestions.
The Board will review the appeal and make a final determination. The appeal process ensures that employees’ voices are heard and that all decisions are fair and transparent.
5. Funding and Award Limits
The amount of the financial award given to an employee depends on several factors, such as:
The magnitude of the savings or improvements resulting from the suggestion.
The budget available for the program, which is typically allocated through the state government’s annual appropriations.
The program is designed to encourage creative solutions without overburdening the state’s finances.
6. Impact of the Employee Suggestion Award Program
Encourages participation: The program engages state employees by giving them an opportunity to contribute directly to the improvement of state operations.
Fosters innovation: Employees are motivated to think creatively about how to improve their work environment and service delivery.
Promotes efficiency and cost savings: By rewarding employees whose ideas reduce costs or improve processes, the program contributes to the efficient use of state resources.
Recognizes employees: The program acknowledges the contributions of employees, which can improve job satisfaction and morale.
7. Practical Considerations
Eligibility: All state employees are eligible to participate in the suggestion program. However, some types of suggestions (e.g., routine operational improvements) may not qualify for an award.
Communication: Employees are encouraged to communicate ideas clearly and succinctly to increase their chances of being selected for review and awards.
Transparency: The process is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that employees receive clear feedback on the status of their suggestions.
8. Summary
Agency 147 – Employee Suggestion Award Board is a West Virginia state program designed to:
Encourage employees to submit innovative suggestions to improve government services.
Provide financial and non-financial rewards to employees whose suggestions result in tangible benefits.
Evaluate suggestions based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and impact on government operations.
The program helps promote innovation, efficiency, and employee engagement within state government.
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