As the CEO of Vetter, a leading employee suggestion box software, Duncan Murtagh has a unique perspective on the transformative power of employee engagement. In this insightful blog, we’ll explore how one manufacturing company leveraged Vetter’s innovative solution to unlock over $300,000 in savings and foster a culture of innovation and inclusion.
The Eureka Moment: Discovering the Need for a Better Feedback System
Duncan’s journey to founding Vetter began when he was working in the financial services industry. He noticed that a colleague from England was always getting his ideas heard, while Duncan himself was stuck in his cubicle, wondering why his own creative contributions were overlooked. This observation sparked a realization – ideas are not simply good or bad, and a more nuanced approach to employee feedback was needed.
Determined to create a solution, Duncan teamed up with a colleague interested in learning to code, and they entered a startup competition in Taipei. Their idea for an online employee suggestion box tool, which they later named Vetter, landed them a second-place finish. This was the beginning of a journey that would ultimately transform the way companies engage and empower their employees.
The Power of Acknowledgment and Implementation
According to Duncan, the key to a successful employee suggestion program lies in two critical elements: acknowledgment and implementation. “The basic two things that they have to do is they have to acknowledge the ideas that are coming in, show that you actually heard them, and the second is just implement some of them,” he explains.
This approach was precisely what one of Vetter’s manufacturing customers, a piping company, embraced with remarkable results. By creating a modern, digital suggestion platform that was accessible to all employees, the company was able to overcome the common pitfalls of traditional suggestion boxes – cobwebs and gum-filled oblivion.
Unlocking Savings Through Employee Insights
The piping company’s success story is a testament to the power of tapping into the collective intelligence of the workforce. Rather than directly asking employees to save money, the company encouraged them to share their ideas, regardless of the focus area. This approach yielded a wealth of insights, from simple material usage optimizations to process improvements that led to significant time and cost savings.
In the first year and a half of implementing Vetter, the company was able to identify and implement just a handful of ideas that resulted in a staggering $300,000 in savings. Duncan emphasizes that this figure is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as the true value lies in the increased engagement and sense of ownership among the employees.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
The piping company’s success story highlights the importance of creating a culture that values employee feedback and empowers them to contribute to the company’s growth. By acknowledging ideas, implementing them, and providing feedback to the contributors, the company demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement and fostered a sense of belonging among its workforce.
As Duncan notes, the financial savings were just the beginning – the increased employee engagement and the feeling that their voices were heard had an even more profound impact on the organization. This holistic approach to employee feedback and innovation has the power to transform any organization, regardless of industry or size.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Workforce
The lessons learned from the piping company’s experience with Vetter are applicable to businesses of all kinds. By creating a modern, accessible platform for employee feedback, acknowledging their ideas, and taking action on them, companies can unlock a wealth of untapped potential within their workforce.
Whether your goal is to drive cost savings, improve processes, or simply foster a more engaged and empowered team, the power of employee-driven innovation is undeniable. By embracing this approach, you can unlock a new era of growth, innovation, and success for your organization.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Employee Engagement
The story of the piping company’s remarkable success with Vetter’s employee suggestion program serves as a powerful example of the transformative impact that can be achieved when companies prioritize employee engagement and inclusion. By tapping into the collective intelligence of their workforce, organizations can uncover innovative solutions, drive cost savings, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, the ability to harness the ideas and insights of your employees will become increasingly crucial. By embracing the principles of acknowledgment, implementation, and continuous feedback, you can unlock the true potential of your workforce and position your organization for long-term success.
