Washington State Employee Suggestion Program

Do you have a great idea that could save the state money or increase productivity? We would love to hear your ideas.

For Employee Suggestion Program suggestions with hard dollar savings and/or revenue, employees receive up to 10% of the total first year net savings/revenue, with a maximum award of $10,000 per suggestion. 

For suggestions where savings can’t be identified, or for cost avoidance ideas, employees can receive internal recognition up to $200. The type and level of recognition are determined by the agency.  

Here are some Employee Suggestion Program Application Tips.

Who is my agency coordinator?

To find who is facilitating suggestion applications for your agency, check our agency coordinator list.

If your agency or coordinator isn't listed, contact the Productivity Board staff at 360-648-7316 or [email protected].

How it works

Review the program’s eligibility criteria, and if your idea meets the requirements, please complete the application form. If you need assistance, please contact your agency's suggestion coordinator or the Productivity Board staff. 

To find who is facilitating suggestion applications for your agency, check our agency coordinator list. 

For cost saving or revenue generating suggestions you must provide a fiscal analysis.  This fillable Cost-Benefit Analysis Worksheet can be used to show your calculations. Submit the form using the button at the bottom of the page.

The Productivity Board staff will send your eligible suggestion to your agency. An evaluator will review the suggestion to determine if it is practical and should be adopted or not, and follow up with you within 45 days.   

If your agency determines that your idea has merit, we will send it to our board for consideration. The board makes the final decision and may request additional information.

Applications must be submitted prior to the implementation of the idea. Here are some Employee Suggestion Program Application Tips.

Get more information on the Employee Suggestion Program Guidelines.

What happens next

As part of your application, you will calculate the dollar savings to be realized, as well as the improvements your idea will make to overall productivity in the agency. Your agency will have a subject matter expert analyze your suggestion and make a recommendation whether or not to adopt the suggestion. Approved suggestions are eligible to receive 10% of the first-year savings, with a maximum award of $10,000.   

When your suggestion and its evaluation is reviewed by the board, you may be asked to provide additional information, or attend a board meeting to discuss your idea. If the board chooses not to adopt your suggestion, you can appeal their decision once and give more information telling why you feel it should be adopted. If the appeal is denied we will close the suggestion file.

Examples of past ideas

• An employee from the Employment Security Department (ESD) suggested their agency utilize pre-translated letters for non-English speakers instead of a translation service, which sped up customer service and saves over $225,000 a year. The ESD employee was awarded $10,000 for her idea.

• A Teamwork Incentive Program suggestion by employees of the Liquor and Cannabis Board and the Office of Administrative Hearings created a searchable and sharable document management system. This solution improves digital record keeping, makes information more accessible between agencies, and eliminates costs. The suggestion saved more than $44,000 in its first year, with more long-term savings expected. Each of the five team members received a cash award of $1,771.70.

• A Department of Corrections worker suggested the agency donate used corrections officer coats to charities and agencies that cannot afford coats, reducing DOC destruction and dumping costs. His suggestion earned him a $200 Recognition Award.

Send in your suggestion

View and complete the Employee Suggestion Program application. 

Here are some Employee Suggestion Program Application Tips.

Describe the specific problem and provide a workable solution. Supply as much detail as possible and include examples or attachments to validate your idea. Sign and date the form.

When a suggestion is submitted by more than one employee, any resulting award will be shared by the co-suggester entered on the suggestion form.  

If your suggestion is a team project, please fill out a Teamwork Incentive Program application.

Reach out to your agency coordinator if you have questions or need assistance, or contact the Productivity Board staff at 360-648-7316 or [email protected].