>I always thought it was unheard of too, until I worked for nonappropriated. They routinely give bonuses when automation improves productivity, greatly improves service to the soldier, or saves $. I received a few while I worked for the government. The best part though was the almost guaranteed pay increase and that does not include the annual cost of living increase so it equaled out almost a double pay raise. If the cost of living increase was 2.5% and the pay increase was 2.5% then in reality it was a 5% pay raise. The bonuses were a plus on top of it.

We have a thing going on right now in the hospital called the 1% solution. If you can find a cost saving idea and implement it, you can be entered in a draw from $300 each month. There were a few really good ideas, but one was ridiculous. One dept said they would save money buy not having coffee and muffins paid for during their meetings. I couldn't believe they won for that. Nobody else, other than perhaps executives, would get that. Grumble, sputter. :-)