Are your employees encouraged to spend some time each week innovating new products, services, efficiencies or processes?

Yes-you know how important innovation is. so why isnt it part of your employees job descriptions? google allows every employee one whole day per week to spend on any idea they like. breakthrough products like gmail and google earth were developed as as result. for many years 3m has allowed its scientists and engineers to spend up to 15% of their time on any project that interests them. they do not have to ask their managers permission but they do have to keep them informed of what it is they are doing. this permission to be free has resulted in countless ideas and innovations for 3m which is regularly rated as one of the most innovative companies.