Frequently Asked Questions
Why was
the GEM program created?
To provide rewards to associates who implement ideas or who exemplify lean-thinking and/or Toyota Way behavior. This program is on a much smaller scale than the President’s Award, making recognition more accessible to all associates.
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Who’s eligible
for the GEM program?
All active salaried associates or teams of associates in Bands 1 through 5, D, M, and NAPO warehouse associates are eligible to receive a GEM award. Associates who are on a leave of absence or who have been terminated are not eligible. TFS associates have a separate recognition program and are not eligible for this program.
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What do I
have to do to qualify for a GEM award?
An associate who demonstrates any of the following behaviors in his or her work area may be eligible for an award based on his or her manager’s recommendation:
Kaizen: Eliminate unnecessary work, significantly improve a business process, or generate new sources of revenue/cost reduction; Customer Satisfaction: Increase value to internal and/or external customers; or Respect for People: Demonstrate actions that support diversity/inclusion initiatives.
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What is a
GEM Spot Award?
This award is designed to reward associates who demonstrate behaviors not necessarily in conjunction with the GEM criteria but still equally as important to Toyota. These awards are also earned based on the manager’s recommendation. Associates will be eligible for a GEM Spot award for exemplifying any of the following behaviors:
Representing the Toyota Way through commendable behaviors, extra commitment/effort made in completing an assignment; actions that promote safety; extra initiative or proactive thinking; superior customer service; increased group morale/productivity; or quick adaption to significant changes in the workflow.
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What is the
difference between a growth increase and a GEM award?
A growth increase is intended to reward associates for the acquisition of new skills or a significant increase in responsibilities directly related to their careers at Toyota. Additionally a growth award increases your base salary. The GEM awards are lump sum awards that are intended to reward associates who exemplify Toyota Way behaviors. This means GEM awards do not add to your base salary.
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What is the
range of awards that I am eligible for?
All associates are eligible for awards ranging from $25 to $1,000. Actual award levels are $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. The award received will be determined by your manager, depending on the impact of your contribution or behavior.
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How do I know
if I have received a GEM award?
Your manager will request the award through the GEM Web site where it is routed to the designated approver within your department. Your manager will notify you once the award has been approved.
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Will my award
be included with my paycheck?
No, all awards will be distributed in the form of an American Express gift card. All cards will be mailed to the associate’s home within 10 to 15 days of approval.
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How often
can I receive a GEM award?
There is no limit to the amount of GEM awards that can be given to an eligible associate for different accomplishments. However, the intent of the program is to recognize as many different associates as possible.
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Am I responsible
for the taxes on my GEM award?
All awards are treated as income and are taxable in accordance with current IRS regulations. However, Toyota will subsidize the federal and state taxes on all awards. Associates will be responsible for the Medicare and FICA taxes on their awards.
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Where can
I use my GEM American Express card?
You can use your card to purchase goods and services anywhere the American Express card is accepted.
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Will my card
have an expiration date?
Recipients have twelve months from the date of issue to use their cards.
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What can I
do if I have questions on the use of my GEM American Express card?
American Express
has a toll-free number set up for all recipients of the GEM program.
A customer service representative can be reached 24 hours a day, seven
days
a week at (888) 210-9821. Associates can also access the American Express
cardholder site at www.encompass-select.com
to find useful information on the specifics of the American Express
card.
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What do I do if my
card does not arrive?
GEM cards should arrive
at your home within 10 - 15 business days of notification. If your card has not arrived
within three weeks, please contact American Express toll-free at (888) 210-9821 and let the representative know that you have not received your "Encompass
Select" card.
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Is there an
e-mail address to which I can direct additional questions?
Yes, there is a
mailbox that has been set up to help answer all of your specific questions.
The GEM e-mail address is GEM@Toyota.com.
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