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    • How to Submit a Suggestion
    • More Information on Submitting a Suggestion
    • How the Program Works
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Glossary
    • Agency Coordinator List
• Rules & Policies

More Information on Submitting a Suggestion

A. Employee Participation

1. The employee will generally be granted administrative leave and travel reimbursement to present his/her suggestion to an Agency Evaluation Committee during normal scheduled work hours. Every attempt will be made to schedule Committee meetings on the employee's scheduled workday. Employee participation in the agency evaluation process may be accomplished by way of audio/video phone as circumstances may require.
2. The employee may also be granted administrative leave and travel reimbursement to present his/her suggestion to the Employee Suggestion Award Program Review Board only if specifically requested by the Board. Employee participation in the Board's evaluation process may be accomplished by way of audio/video phone as circumstances may require.
3. The employee may work on the suggestion during work time as long as it does not interfere with his/her job responsibilities.

1. The employee will receive an initial letter stating the suggestion is eligible or ineligible from the Bureau of Human Resources. If the suggestion is ineligible, it will be returned with an explanation.
2. The employee will receive a letter from the agency that will be reviewing the suggestion.  The letter will indicate the date, time, and location of the suggestion review.  If the agency determines the suggestion is ineligible, it will be returned with an explanation.
3. The employee will receive a final determination letter regarding the Board’s decision.

1. The Board will determine the cost identification formula to use for tracking cost savings.
2. Cost savings must be monitored and recorded for one year. This process is initiated when the employee suggestion is implemented.
3. In accordance with MRSA Title 5, Chapter 56-A, §651, §9, any department or other organization will provide whatever assistance is requested for evaluating employee suggestions and/or other purposes.

1. The entire evaluation process will be completed within 120 days, which begins with a monthly report sent to all agencies by the BHR State Administrator.
2. The Agency Evaluation Committee will evaluate and make recommendations on the employee suggestions within 60 days.
3. The Board may, at its discretion, expand the established time lines to accommodate an inordinate volume of suggestions or for other unanticipated reasons.

1. The maximum cash award is 10 percent of the first year's estimated savings of $250 or more. The award will not exceed $2,000. If it is not possible to estimate the first year's savings, the Employee Suggestion Award Program Review Board may authorize an alternative payment process. Balance of partial cost savings awards will be made at the end of the first year of implementation.
2. Employee suggestions that do not result in a measurable cost savings, but improve morale, efficiency, or customer service can result in earning a cash award of at least $25, and up to $100.