Employee Suggestion System

Under KRS 18A.110 and 101 KAR 2:120, all employees with status in the classified service (merit employees) may be recognized and rewarded for submitting suggestions that result in the improvement of state service or in the realization of financial saving by the state. Employees in the unclassified service (non-merit) are not eligible.

Cash awards are given when a suggestion has been implemented and approved by the Council and results in cost reductions, cost avoidance, or for ideas that would improve the operations of a process or program, improve public relations, safety or effectiveness of operations. Awards range from $100 minimum to ten percent (10%) of the first year’s documented or estimated savings, up to a maximum of $2,500.00. A $100.00 award may be given for ideas that have intangible savings.

To obtain the official suggestion form (P-35), you may contact your Employee Suggestion System (ESS) cabinet coordinator. Information about the Employee Suggestion System and an official suggestion form are now available through Personnel’s Home Page on the Internet (http://personnel.ky.gov). Once you have reached Personnel’s Home Page, click on Kentucky Employee Suggestion System.

Once the form (P-35) is completed, you will return it to your cabinet/agency coordinator. A complete list of all ESS Coordinators is available on the ESS Web site. He/she will be responsible for recording the suggestion, having the appropriate person with expertise in that area evaluate the suggestion, and track the suggestion until its completion. Your coordinator will notify you of the final outcome. If the suggestion is denied by a cabinet or an agency, you may request reconsideration, and from there you may request a review by the Council.