I used to work for one of the largest banks in the nation. They had a great program, which paid out at least $50 for a suggestion which was implemented and up to $250,000 (or so I'm guessing) for cost savings on the suggestion within the first year. The range in between was something like 10% of the first years costs savings (I'm guessing but I think it was close to that). I know of a mail room person who received the $250,000 and I received a few thousand over the years as well. Typical reward pay out was in the range of $500 to $2,500 but heck if an employee can think of a great idea to save you millions, $250,000 isn't a bad price to pay for it!
They had to be new ideas, and had to be implemented within...umm I think six months of the suggestion (I've forgotten). If it was an old suggestion that didn't make sense when submitted but five years down the line it did, there was no pay out. You also had to work for the bank to receive pay out (no back pay if you leave).
This type of program gets you real cost savings ideas, verses, "less work, more pay" in a lock box (although I am all for that one)
They were well constructed ideas. There was a one page work sheet with a description of the idea, why it was better than what was done now, a cost analysis if possible and any other factors related to the idea. You didn't just jot down a quick thought and run!