Implementing Ordinance on the Personnel Act concerning the Suggestion Scheme (Ordinance on the Suggestion Scheme) - Purpose

1. The Suggestion System aims to improve task performance through

1. the promotion and utilization of the creativity and innovative capability of the employees, as well as the provision of leeway for action;

2. the achievement of economic improvements through collaboration;

3. the development and maintenance of a positive working environment;

4. the prompt implementation of awarded suggestions.

1. The proposal explains a simplification or improvement of the treatment or solution process for assignments given to the administration of the canton.

2. It aims to increase the efficiency of governmental actions and may affect all areas of administration, particularly

1. the structure and procedural organization;

2. work and workflows;

3. the utilization and management of materials;

4. occupational safety and health care;

5. the work environment, motivation, and performance capacity;

6. customer-friendly conduct;

7. image maintenance.

1. Any proposal approved by the expert commission is eligible for a premium.

2. If the proposal is developed with the assistance of the supervising person, they are additionally eligible for a premium.

1. The Personnel Office is the staff unit of the Suggestion System Specialist Group.

2. It is the collection point for all suggestions.

**1. The Suggestion System Working Group consists of the following members:**

1. Director of Finance, Chair;

2. Finance Administrator;

3. Three representatives of the staff associations in the Joint Staff Commission;

4. Head of the Personnel Office, Secretariat.

**2.** It may invite the proposer to provide an oral explanation of the suggestion and consult experts with advisory capacity.

**3.** It generally evaluates submitted suggestions within three months regarding their fundamental eligibility for a reward and the expected benefit, and then determines the reward.

1. The proposal system is led by the Finance Directorate.

2. ...

1. Proposals must be submitted to the supervisor or the personnel office.

2. Forms are provided by the personnel office.

3. The receipt of a proposal must be acknowledged.

4. A proposal that has already been implemented following an oral suggestion can be submitted in writing retrospectively within twelve months.

1. Upon submission of a proposal, all rights are transferred to the ownership of the Canton. For patentable inventions, the provisions pursuant to Art. 332 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) remain reserved.

2. The transfer of proposals to third parties requires the consent of the Council of State.

1. The Personnel Office reviews each proposal regarding its originality.

2. Originality is present if the proposal genuinely constitutes a novelty and has not already been submitted by a third party.

3. If the proposal possesses the quality of authorship, the claims of the submitter remain protected for three years from the date of submission.

1. The premium for a proposal is calculated based on the following factors: base premium, functional area, and readiness for use.

2. If a proposal cannot be evaluated, the specialist group determines a flat-rate amount.

1. The base premium amounts to 20 percent of the economic net benefit, which is derived from the gross benefit after deducting depreciation and recurring operating costs.

2. It is limited to a maximum of CHF 10,000.

3. If an economic benefit cannot be directly determined, the base premium is calculated according to the following point system

Frequency Level | Degree of Improvement: low | Degree of Improvement: noticeable | Degree of Improvement: significant | Degree of Improvement: extraordinary

--- | --- | --- | --- | ---

rarely / seldom | 10 | 15 | 30 | 50

occasionally / intermittently | 15 | 30 | 50 | 70

frequently / regularly | 30 | 50 | 70 | 100

continuously | 50 | 70 | 100 | 140

4. 1 point corresponds to the equivalent of CHF 15 (as of November 1994).

1. The Functional Area Factor is Determined According to the Following Matrix

Functional Area | Outside Work Area | Within Work Area | Within Duty

--- | --- | --- | ---

From Function Level 8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0 (No Bonus Generally)

Function Level 6 and 7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0 (No Bonus Generally)

Others | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0 (No Bonus Generally)

Apprentices | 1.7 | 1.5 | 0 (No Bonus Generally)

1. The Utilization Readiness Factor is

1. Directly usable without significant processing: 1.2

2. Small adjustments required: 0.8

3. Only the idea is usable, substantial additions by third parties necessary: 0.5

1. If a proposal is submitted by two or more employees, the total amount of the bonus is generally divided equally.

2. Supervisors can receive a maximum of 15% of the bonuses paid to employees. No bonus is paid to supervisors for proposals submitted directly to the Personnel Office.

1. If it turns out that the realization of the proposal results in greater benefits than calculated during the premium determination, premiums may be paid retroactively.

1. Bonuses are considered components of wages. The usual social deductions are applied.

2. The payment of the bonus will be made with the next salary. Submitters who leave their employment relationship before the final processing of their proposal remain entitled to the bonus.

3. If a lower benefit than calculated is later determined, bonuses that have already been paid cannot be reclaimed.

1. Premiums are expended at the expense of the beneficiary directorate or the office.

1. This regulation shall enter into force on January 1, 1999; it shall be published in the Official Gazette and included in the statute book.

2. All provisions conflicting with this regulation are repealed, particularly the regulation dated September 1, 1995, concerning the proposal system.