Basic Employee Handbook
Basic Employee Handbook
November 2019
Table of Contents
Section 1 - Introduction
Welcome Statement - Included with Comprehensive Handbook
Equal Employment Opportunity
Employment At Will
Open Door Policy
Section 6 - Acknowledgements
General Handbook Acknowledgment - Included with Comprehensive Handbook
Receipt of Non Harassment Policy - Included with Comprehensive Handbook
Receipt of Sexual Harassment Policy - Included with Comprehensive Handbook
Section 1 - Introduction
Welcome Statement
Any employee or job applicant who has questions regarding this policy or
believes that he or she has been discriminated against should notify their
manager or the Human Resources Manager.
Employment At Will
Employment with may be terminated for any reason, with or without cause or
notice, at any time, by you or the Company. Nothing in this Employee Handbook
or in any oral or written statement shall limit the right to terminate employment at
will. Only the President of the Company shall have any authority to enter into an
employment agreement with any employee providing for employment other than
at-will and any such agreement must be in writing.
This policy of at-will employment is the sole and entire agreement between you
and as to the duration of employment and the circumstances under which your
employment may be terminated.
This handbook states only general company guidelines. may, at any time, in its
sole discretion, modify or vary from anything stated in this handbook, with or
without notice, except for the rights of the parties to terminate employment at will.
This handbook supersedes and replaces any and all personnel policies and
manuals previously distributed or made available to employees.
The company has an open door policy and takes employee concerns and
problems seriously. The company values each employee and strives to provide a
positive work experience. Every employee is encouraged to speak with his or her
immediate supervisor at any time with questions or problems relating to the job
while employed. If you are unable to satisfactorily resolve your question or
problem with your supervisor, you can request a meeting with a manager or with
the Human Resources Manager.
Employee Categories
All employees are designated as either nonexempt or exempt under state and
federal wage and hour laws. The following is intended to help employees
understand employment classifications and employees’ employment status and
benefit eligibility. These classifications do not guarantee employment for any
specified period of time. The right to terminate the employment-at-will
relationship at any time is retained by both the employee and .
In addition to the above categories, each employee will belong to one of the
following employment categories:
Introductory Period
During the first 30 days of employment, both the new employee and the
Company have the opportunity to decide on the continuation of their employment
relationship. This is an opportunity for the Company to evaluate your
performance. It also is an opportunity for you to decide whether you are happy
being employed by the Company. The Company may extend the probationary
period if it desires. If, at the end of the introductory period, the relationship with
the Company is satisfactory to the new employee and the supervisor, the
employment relationship will continue.
Performance Reviews
Benefits Overview
This handbook contains descriptions of some of our current employee benefits.
Many of the Company’s benefit plans are described in more formal plan
documents available from the Human Resources Manager. In the event of any
inconsistencies between this handbook or any other oral or written description of
benefits and a formal plan document, the formal plan document will govern.
Holidays
The company observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day,
Easter, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
Day Holidays are observed on a paid basis for all eligible employees. Full time
employees are eligible for paid holiday benefits.
Vacation Benefits
The company provides, as a benefit, paid vacations for its eligible employees.
Forward requests for time off in advance to a supervisor, who may approve or
deny the request based on company resources. The company is flexible in
approving time off when doing so would not interfere with company operations.
Vacation days are granted only on a full day or half-day basis. A regular
employee is eligible to receive paid time off after 1 months of full-time service.
Accrued time off may be taken after 1 months. Employees must earn and accrue
vacation benefits before they may be used. Employees should consult the
Human Resources Manager regarding the amount of vacation leave they accrue
each pay period. Any remaining accrued time off may be accumulated or carried
forward into the next year.
Sick Leave
Situations may arise where an employee needs to take time off to address
medical or other health concerns. The company requests that employees provide
notification to their supervisor as soon as practicable when taking time off. Sick
days are granted on a paid basis to regular employees. Employees may use up
to 3 paid sick days each year. Sick days may not be carried over into the next
year.
Insurance Benefits
The company makes group health benefits available to eligible full time
employees and their family members. Upon becoming eligible to participate in
these plans, you will receive additional information about plan benefits and
enrollment. If you have questions about our insurance programs, please contact
the Human Resources Manager. COBRA Continuation of Health Benefits:
Under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), a
qualified employee who terminates employment (for reasons other than gross
misconduct on the employee's part) or who loses health and dental coverage due
to a reduction in work hours may temporarily continue group health and dental
coverage for him/herself, his/her spouse, and any covered dependent children at
the full premium rate plus administrative fees. That eligibility normally extends for
a period of eighteen (18) months from the qualifying date. For more information
regarding COBRA health insurance benefits, see the Human Resources
Manager.
Jury Duty
Voting Leave
Military Leave
Workers' Compensation
As required by law, the company provides workers' compensation benefits for the
protection of employees with work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers'
compensation insurance provides coverage to employees who receive job-
related injuries or illnesses. If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of
his/her job, it is the employee's responsibility to immediately notify a supervisor of
their injury in order to receive benefits. Report every injury or illness to a
supervisor, regardless of severity. Additional information regarding workers'
compensation is available from the Human Resources Manager.
Employment Records
Pay Day
All employees of the Company are paid weekly. The employer takes all
reasonable steps to assure that employees receive the correct amount of pay in
each paycheck and that employees are paid promptly on the scheduled payday.
By law, the Company is required to make deductions for Social Security, federal
income tax and any other appropriate taxes. These required deductions also may
include any court-ordered garnishments. Your payroll stub will also differentiate
between regular pay received and overtime pay received. If you believe there is
an error in your pay, bring the matter to the attention of the Payroll Manager
immediately so the Company can resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Overtime
Timekeeping
Working Schedule
Employees will be provided meal and rest periods as required by law. Your
Supervisor will provide further details.
Lactation Breaks
For up to one year after a child’s birth, any employee who is breastfeeding her
child will be provided reasonable break time for an employee to express breast
milk. If possible, the break time must run concurrently with rest and meal periods
already provided to the employee. If the break time cannot run concurrently with
rest and meal periods already provided to the employee, the break time will be
unpaid, subject to applicable law.
will provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free
from intrusion from coworkers and the public for the employee’s use. The
Company may not be able to provide additional break time if doing so would
seriously disrupt the Company's operations, subject to applicable law.
Please advise the Human Resources Manager if you need break time and an
area for this purpose.
Direct Deposit
encourages employees to have their pay directly deposited into their bank
accounts via direct deposit. Employees will receive an itemized statement of
wages when makes direct deposits.
Company Vehicles
Operation of Vehicles All employees authorized to drive Company-owned or
leased vehicles or personal vehicles in conducting Company business must
possess a current, valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Any
change in license status or driving record must be reported to management
immediately. A valid driver's license must be in your possession while operating a
vehicle off or on Firm property. It is the responsibility of every employee to drive
safely and obey all traffic, vehicle safety, and parking laws or regulations. Drivers
must demonstrate safe driving habits at all times. Firm-owned or leased vehicles
may be used only as authorized by management. Employees who drive on
Company business must abide by all state or local laws prohibiting or limiting
portable communication device (PCD) use, including cell phones and tablets,
while driving. Further, even if use is permitted, employees may choose to refrain
from using any PCD while driving.
Sexual Harassment
Reporting:
Any company employee who feels that he or she has been harassed or
discriminated against, or has witnessed or become aware of discrimination or
harassment in violation of these policies, should bring the matter to the
immediate attention of his or her supervisor or the Human Resources Manager.
The company will promptly investigate all allegations of discrimination and
harassment, and take action as appropriate based on the outcome of the
investigation. An investigation and its results will be treated as confidential to the
extent feasible, and the Company will take appropriate action based on the
outcome of the investigation.
Responsibilities
Supervisors and managers are responsible for implementing this policy in their
departments, keeping the workplace free from any form of harassment, ensuring
that all associates, contractors and temporary workers understand this policy,
taking complaints about harassment seriously and notifying Human Resources
immediately about any complaints of sexual or other forms of harassment.
Workplace Violence
Scheduled hours may vary depending on work location and job responsibilities.
Supervisors will provide employees with their work schedule. Should an
employee have any questions regarding his/her work schedule, the employee
should contact the supervisor. The company does not tolerate absenteeism
without excuse. Employees who will be late to or absent from work should notify
a supervisor in advance, or as soon as practicable in the event of an emergency.
Employees who need to leave early, for illness or otherwise, should inform a
supervisor before departure. Unauthorized departures may result in disciplinary
action.
Employees are expected to arrive on time and ready for work. An employee who
arrives after their scheduled arrival time is considered tardy. The company
recognizes that situations arise which hinder punctuality; regardless, excessive
tardiness is prohibited, and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Failure to report to work and not calling to report the absence is a no call/no
show and is a serious matter. Any unreported absences are considered job
abandonment and will be considered a voluntary resignation of your employment.
We do recognize that there are times when absences and tardiness cannot be
avoided. In such cases, you are expected to notify your Supervisor as early as
possible, but no later than the start of your work day. Asking another employee,
friend or relative to give this notice is improper and constitutes grounds for
disciplinary action. Please call, stating the nature of your illness and its expected
duration, every day that you are absent.
The purpose of this policy is to define standards, procedures, and restrictions for
end users who have legitimate business uses for connecting a personally-owned
mobile device to the Company’s corporate network. This mobile device policy
applies, but is not limited, to all devices and accompanying media that fit the
following classifications:
• Smart phones
• Other mobile/cellular phones
• Tablet computers
• Portable media devices
• PDAs
• Portable gaming devices
• Laptop/notebook computers
• Any mobile device capable of storing corporate data and connecting to a
network
The policy applies to any hardware and related software that is not corporately
owned or supplied, but could be used to access corporate resources. That is,
devices that employees have purchased for personal use but also wish to use in
the business environment. The overriding goal of this policy is to protect the
integrity of the confidential client and business data that resides within The
Company’s technology infrastructure. This policy intends to prevent this data
from being deliberately or inadvertently stored insecurely on a mobile device or
carried over an insecure network where it could potentially be accessed by
unsanctioned resources. A breach of this type could result in loss of information,
damage to critical applications, loss of revenue, and damage to the Company’s
public image. Therefore, all users employing a mobile device connected to The
Company’s corporate network, and/or capable of backing up, storing, or
otherwise accessing corporate data of any type, must adhere to company-
defined processes for doing so. For approval and further information, contact
your supervisor.
Disruptions during working time can lead to errors and delays. Therefore, we ask
that personal telephone calls be kept to a minimum, and only be made or
received after working time, or during lunch or break time. For safety and security
reasons, employees are prohibited from having personal guests visit or
accompany them anywhere in our facilities other than the reception areas.
The company requests that employees not receive personal calls while on duty. If
urgent, please keep personal calls to a minimum and conversations brief.
Inspections
The Company is in compliance with the Clean Air Act and has made all our office
buildings designated non-smoking areas. Smoking will not be allowed within any
office buildings. To those who smoke, we respectfully request your understanding
and cooperation and ask that if you need to smoke please do so outside the
buildings. This includes “Vaping” or using e-cigarettes. Smoking is prohibited in
all company vehicles.
No Solicitation / No Distribution
All active employees must notify the Company before they take outside
employment so that the Company will have reasonable notice to make a
determination as to whether it sees, at that time, any conflict of interest. An
employee may hold a job with another organization as long as he/she
satisfactorily performs his/her job responsibilities with the Company including
scheduling requirements and that the position is approved in advance.
Employees should consider the impact that outside employment may have on
their health and physical endurance and safety. All employees will be judged by
the same performance standards and will be subject to the employer's
scheduling demands, regardless of any existing outside work requirements. The
company retains the right to prohibit second jobs if it considers it to be a safety
exposure or if it interferes with current job responsibilities.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Company's reputation is not
compromised. The fundamental principle guiding this policy is that no employee
should have, or appear to have, personal interests or relationships that actually
or potentially conflict with the best interests of the Company.
Employees have an obligation to conduct business within guidelines that prohibit
actual or potential conflicts of interest. Employees can seek further clarification
on issues related to the subject of acceptable standards of operation. Situations
that would constitute a conflict in most cases include but are not limited to:
• Transactions with outside firms not conducted within a
framework established or controlled by the executive level of the
organization.
• Bribes, bonuses, fringe benefits, unusual price breaks or
excess volumes designed to benefit another company, an employee,
relative or acquaintance.
• Holding an interest in, or being employed by, any company
that competes with .
Further, the Company is not responsible for any damage to employees' personal
belongings unless the employee's Supervisor provided advance approval for the
employee to bring the personal property to work.
Health and Safety
Hiring Relatives
It is well accepted that employment of relatives and personal friends in the same
area of an organization can cause serious conflicts and problems. In these
circumstances, all parties, including supervisors, leave themselves open to
charges of inequitable consideration in decisions.
’s policy is that relatives or friends or individuals who live with but are not legally
related to persons currently employed by the Company may be hired ONLY if
they will not be working directly for or supervising a relative or personal friend or
will not be working directly above the relative's immediate superior or directly for
the relative's immediate subordinate. If already employed, they cannot be
transferred into such a reporting relationship. If the relative relationship is
established after employment, the individuals concerned will decide who is to be
transferred if there is a position opening that the individual is qualified to satisfy. If
that decision is not made within 30 days, management will decide. This policy
takes effect as of the date this manual was originally distributed. Anyone
currently working in a position contrary to this policy will be grandfathered in.
Employee Relationships
References
will respond to reference requests through Human Resources.
Section 6 - Acknowledgements
General Handbook Acknowledgment
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