With the recession hitting hard at the moment, most managements are concerned with spending less. We suggest spending a little on an idea campaign, to have employees themselves come up with great ideas for how they can’t help cut costs.

Innovation and cost cutting typically doesn’t rhyme. Innovation is usually regarded as investment in the future while cost cutting is for most a compelling necessity.

It doesn’t have to be that way. A focused idea campaign, engaging employees in how to combat slack and how to increase productivity, could be an effective and inexpensive way to identify areas for improvement – fast and cheap.

Simply dig into the collective intelligence of the organization. Who would know better how to optimize their daily routines, than the employees themselves? You might even create a positive vibe in the around being a more lean company, by letting employees have a say.