Idea to Save Money Pays Off for 2 Workers

Thoughts may be worth only a penny, but Patrick Grindstaff and Cheryl Nakamura will split $1,000 for sharing one of their ideas.

Grindstaff and Nakamura, office assistants at the Orange County Water District, received the money from Total Quality Management, an agency program that rewards employees for offering cost-saving and time-effective solutions.

When a co-worker left their department, Grindstaff and Nakamura realized they could split the employee’s work and eliminate the position permanently. They shared the idea with District General Manager William R. Mills Jr. He loved it. The suggestion saved the district almost $20,000.

Total Quality Management has saved the district almost $278,000 in one year. In five years, it is projected that it will have saved the district $1 million, said Human Resources Manager Stephanie Strohman.

Employees have found ways to extend the service life of earth-moving equipment and speed up testing for water contaminants. Other ideas improve customer service or ensure workplace safety.

“It’s the average employee who’s out there doing the work,” Grindstaff said. “That’s where the ideas need to come from.” When employees have an idea, they fill out a form on a Web site. The idea goes to the Total Quality Management committee, which analyzes the idea, then forms a steering committee to put the plan into action.

If the goals are met, the employees are rewarded--as much as $1,000.

Strohman said the program has been both productive and great for morale. Grindstaff agrees.

“It gives the employees something to feel good about it,” he said. “It makes them feel like they have a voice, and it makes for a better workplace in the long run.”