Sample Company Name and Logo EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Adopted date SAMPLE COMPANY AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, SUSPEND, REVOKE, OR SUPERSEDE CURRENT POLICIES, PRACTICES, PROCEDURES OR BENEFITS FROM TIME-TO-TIME WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT I understand and agree that nothing contained in this handbook, or conveyed during my interview nor any other written or oral representations are to be construed as making a contract between me and Sample Company. I further understand and agree that my employment will be "at will" and without fixed term, and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause and without prior notice, at the option of either myself or Sample Company. No promises regarding employment have been made to me, and I understand that no such promise or guarantee is binding upon Sample Company unless made in writing and signed by me, the Executive Director, and one officer of the Board of Directors. 1. My signature below confirms that no one at Sample Company has made any representations or promises that the job which I am accepting offers guaranteed employment or job security of any kind. 2. I understand that I have the right to leave the position at any time with or without notice and that I may be discharged at any time with or without cause or notice. 3. All pertinent conditions of the job offer have been explained to me prior to commencing my duties with Sample Company 4. I understand that I will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Drug and Alcohol Policy prior to my actual starting date as a final pre-condition of my employment. 5. Finally, I understand that my employment shall be conditioned upon a driving and criminal record check. I am returning this Confirmation immediately and have received a copy for my files: _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date Employee Copy ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT I understand and agree that nothing contained in this handbook, or conveyed during my interview nor any other written or oral representations are to be construed as making a contract between me and Sample Company. I further understand and agree that my employment will be "at will" and without fixed term, and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause and without prior notice, at the option of either myself or Sample Company No promises regarding employment have been made to me, and I understand that no such promise or guarantee is binding upon Sample Company unless made in writing and signed by me, the Executive Director, and one officer of the Board of Directors. 1. My signature below confirms that no one at Sample Company has made any representations or promises that the job which I am accepting offers guaranteed employment or job security of any kind. 2. I understand that I have the right to leave the position at any time with or without notice and that I may be discharged at any time with or without cause or notice. 3. All pertinent conditions of the job offer have been explained to me prior to commencing my duties with Sample Company 4. I understand that I will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Drug and Alcohol Policy prior to my actual starting date as a final pre-condition of my employment. 5. Finally, I understand that my employment shall be conditioned upon a driving and criminal record check. I am returning this Confirmation immediately and have received a copy for my files: _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date SAMPLE COMPANY Copy SAMPLE COMPANY PLEDGE OF CONFIDENTIALITY AND GOOD FAITH Any information that an employee learns about Sample Company, or its employees, members, Board of Directors, donors, clients, or volunteers as a result of working for Sample Company that is not otherwise publicly available constitutes confidential information. Employees may not disclose confidential information to anyone who is not employed by or a member of the Board of Directors of Sample Company or to other persons, whether or not they are employees or members of the Board of Directors of Sample Company, who do not need to know such information to assist in rendering services. The protection of privileged and confidential information, including trade secrets, is vital to the interests and the success of Sample Company The disclosure, distribution, electronic transmission, or copying of Sample Company’s confidential information is prohibited. Such information includes, but is not limited to the following examples. Compensation data. Program and financial information, including information related to clients, donors, pending projects, and proposals. Any employee who discloses confidential Sample Company information will be immediately reprimanded, disciplined, or dismissed at the discretion of the Executive Director, even if he or she does not actually benefit from the disclosure of such information. Discussions involving sensitive information should always be held in confidential settings to safeguard the confidentiality of the information. Conversations regarding confidential information generally should not be conducted on cellular phones, or in elevators, restrooms, restaurants, or other places where conversations might be overheard. I understand the above policy and pledge not to disclose confidential information. Furthermore, I pledge to discharge my duties in good faith and in a manner that serves the best interests of SAMPLE COMPANY, its clients, its members, and its employees. _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date Employee Copy SAMPLE COMPANY PLEDGE OF CONFIDENTIALITY AND GOOD FAITH Any information that an employee learns about Sample Company, or its employees, members, Board of Directors, donors, clients, or volunteers as a result of working for Sample Company that is not otherwise publicly available constitutes confidential information. Employees may not disclose confidential information to anyone who is not employed by or a member of the Board of Directors of Sample Company or to other persons, whether or not they are employees or members of the Board of Directors of Sample Company, who do not need to know such information to assist in rendering services. The protection of privileged and confidential information, including trade secrets, is vital to the interests and the success of Sample Company The disclosure, distribution, electronic transmission, or copying of Sample Company’s confidential information is prohibited. Such information includes, but is not limited to the following examples. Compensation data. Program and financial information, including information related to clients, donors, pending projects, and proposals. Any employee who discloses confidential Sample Company information will be immediately reprimanded, disciplined, or dismissed at the discretion of the Executive Director, even if he or she does not actually benefit from the disclosure of such information. Discussions involving sensitive information should always be held in confidential settings to safeguard the confidentiality of the information. Conversations regarding confidential information generally should not be conducted on cellular phones, or in elevators, restrooms, restaurants, or other places where conversations might be overheard. I understand the above policy and pledge not to disclose confidential information. Furthermore, I pledge to discharge my duties in good faith and in a manner that serves the best interests of SAMPLE COMPANY, its clients, its members, and its employees. _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date SAMPLE COMPANY Copy EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Sample Company Employee Handbook. I understand that it is my continuing responsibility to read and know its contents. I also understand and agree that the Employee Handbook is not an employment contract for any specific period of employment or for continuing or long-term employment. Therefore, I acknowledge and understand that unless I have a written employment agreement with Sample Company that provides otherwise, I have the right to resign from my employment with Sample Company at any time with or without notice and with or without cause, and that Sample Company has the right to terminate my employment at any time with or without notice and with or without cause. I have read, understand and agree to all of the above. I have also read and understand the Sample Company Employee Handbook. I agree to return the Employee Handbook upon termination of my employment. _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date Employee Copy EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Sample Company Employee Handbook. I understand that it is my continuing responsibility to read and know its contents. I also understand and agree that the Employee Handbook is not an employment contract for any specific period of employment or for continuing or long-term employment. Therefore, I acknowledge and understand that unless I have a written employment agreement with Sample Company that provides otherwise, I have the right to resign from my employment with Sample Company at any time with or without notice and with or without cause, and that Sample Company has the right to terminate my employment at any time with or without notice and with or without cause. I have read, understand and agree to all of the above. I have also read and understand the Sample Company Employee Handbook. I agree to return the Employee Handbook upon termination of my employment. _____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Print Name ________________________ Date SAMPLE COMPANY Copy Employee Handbook i TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0. MISSION .................................................................................................................................1 2.0 OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................1 3.0 VOLUNTARY AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT ...........................................................................1 4.0 DRUG- AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE ...................................................................2 5.0 HOURS OF WORK, ATTENDANCE, AND PUNCTUALITY .............................................2 5.1 Hours of Work ..............................................................................................................2 5.2 Attendance and Punctuality ..........................................................................................3 5.3 Overtime .......................................................................................................................3 6.0 EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES ....................................................................3 6.1 Definition of Terms.......................................................................................................3 6.2 Job Descriptions ............................................................................................................4 6.3 Pay.................................................................................................................................4 6.3.1 Pay Periods, Overtime, Holidays ...................................................................4 6.3.2 Issuance of Paychecks....................................................................................4 6.3.3 Advances ........................................................................................................5 6.4 Conflict of Interest and Nepotism .................................................................................5 6.4.1 Business Dealings ..........................................................................................5 6.4.2 Nepotism ........................................................................................................5 6.4.3 Political Action ..............................................................................................5 7.0 WORK AND COMPENSATION REVIEW ............................................................................6 8.0 ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND INSURANCE ........................................................................6 8.1 Health/Life Insurance....................................................................................................6 8.2 Supplemental Insurance ................................................................................................6 8.3 Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid ..............................................................................7 8.4 Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance ...............................................7 8.5 Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan ....................................................................7 8.6 Tax Deferred Annuity Plan ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.0 LEAVE BENEFITS AND OTHER WORK POLICIES ..........................................................7 9.1 Holidays ........................................................................................................................7 9.2 Vacation ........................................................................................................................8 9.3 Sick Leave .....................................................................................................................8 9.4 Military Leave ...............................................................................................................8 SAMPLE COMPANY Employee Handbook.doc adopted 11/7/05 Sample Company Employee Handbook ii TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Page 9.5 Civic Responsibility ......................................................................................................9 9.6 Bereavement Leave .......................................................................................................9 10.0 MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES ...................................................................................10 11.0 REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES .................................................................................10 12.0 PERSONNEL RECORDS ....................................................................................................10 13.0 SEPARATION ......................................................................................................................10 14.0 RETURN OF PROPERTY ...................................................................................................11 15.0 OPEN AND TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION .........................................................11 16.0 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ...............................................................................................12 17.0 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY .......................................................................13 18.0 POLICY AGAINST WORKPLACE HARASSMENT .......................................................13 18.1 Prohibition of Sexual Harassment ............................................................................14 18.2 Prohibition of Other Types of Discriminatory Harassment ......................................15 18.3 Reporting of Harassment ..........................................................................................15 19.0 SOLICITATION ...................................................................................................................16 20.0 LIST OF SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS (DOCUMENTS ARE ATTACHED OR MAY BE OBTAINED FROM OFFICE MANAGER) ..............................................16 Sample Company Employee Handbook 1.0 MISSION The mission of Sample Company (SAMPLE COMPANY) is to promote and further the conservation of non-renewable energy resources and the development of renewable energy resources. In furtherance of this mission, every employee of SAMPLE COMPANY shall discharge his duties in good faith with extraordinary care as a fiduciary of not-for-profit funds and shall act in a manner sincerely believed to be in the best interest of SAMPLE COMPANY, its Board of Directors, Members, and fellow employees. All employees shall commit to the spirit and intent of all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and contract provisions to which SAMPLE COMPANY is committed now or at any time to come. 2.0 OVERVIEW The SAMPLE COMPANY Employee Handbook (the "Handbook") has been developed to provide general guidelines about SAMPLE COMPANY policies and procedures for employees. It is a guide to assist you in becoming familiar with some of the privileges and obligations of your employment, including SAMPLE COMPANY's policy of voluntary at-will employment. None of the policies or guidelines in the Handbook are intended to give rise to contractual rights or obligations, or to be construed as a guarantee of employment for any specific period of time, or any specific type of work. Additionally, with the exception of the voluntary at-will employment policy, these guidelines are subject to modification, amendment, or revocation by SAMPLE COMPANY at any time, without advance notice. The personnel polices of SAMPLE COMPANY are established by the Board of Directors, which has delegated authority and responsibility for their administration to the Executive Director. The Executive Director may, in turn, delegate authority for administering specific policies unless restricted from doing so by Board of Directors directive. Employees are encouraged to consult the Executive Director for additional information regarding the policies, procedures, and privileges described in this Handbook. Questions about personnel matters also may be reviewed with the Executive Director. SAMPLE COMPANY will provide each employee a copy of this Handbook upon employment. All employees are expected to abide by it. The highest standards of personal and professional ethics and behavior are expected of all SAMPLE COMPANY employees. Further, SAMPLE COMPANY expects each employee to display good judgment, diplomacy and courtesy in their professional relationships with members of SAMPLE COMPANY's Board of Directors, committees, membership, staff, and the general public. 3.0 VOLUNTARY AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT Employee Initial Here AN EMPLOYEE HAS A WRITTEN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH SAMPLE COMPANY, WHICH PROVIDES DIFFERENTLY, ALL EMPLOYMENT AT SAMPLE COMPANY IS UNLESS "AT-WILL." THIS MEANS THAT EMPLOYEES MAY BE TERMINATED FROM EMPLOYMENT WITH SAMPLE COMPANY WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE, AND EMPLOYEES ARE FREE TO LEAVE THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAMPLE COMPANY WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. ANY REPRESENTATION BY ANY SAMPLE COMPANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE CONTRARY TO THIS POLICY IS NOT BINDING UPON SAMPLE COMPANY UNLESS IT IS IN WRITING AND IS SIGNED BY THE SAMPLE COMPANY Employee Handbook.doc adopted 11/7/05 Sample Company Employee Handbook 2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND AN OFFICER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOTHING IN THIS EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. 4.0 DRUG- AND ALCOHOL- FREE WORKPLACE Employee Initial Here SAMPLE COMPANY is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and maintains its policy pursuant to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. SAMPLE COMPANY strictly prohibits the illicit use, possession, dispensation, or manufacture of controlled substances in the workplace. SAMPLE COMPANY employees shall not be under the influence of alcohol or be engaging in the illegal use of drugs at the workplace. Any violation of this policy shall result in adverse action, consistent with requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required prior to employment and randomly during employment. As a condition of employment on a covered contract, the employee will: (i) abide by the terms of the above statement; and (ii) notify SAMPLE COMPANY in writing of the employee's conviction under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction. The following pertains to those SAMPLE COMPANY employees who perform safety-sensitive functions in the performance of their respective job duties; all employees who are required to hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in order to perform their respective job duties; and, all successful applicants for such positions. SAMPLE COMPANY prohibits any use of alcohol and/or non-prescribed controlled substances on the job. This prohibition includes evidence of alcohol or controlled substances use that may impair the employees’ ability to successfully perform job duties. Designated employees are subject to alcohol and drug testing procedures set forth from time-to-time by SAMPLE COMPANY and the state or federal Department of Transportation or as required by SAMPLE COMPANY's contracts. A copy of SAMPLE COMPANY's complete drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy shall be provided to each employee upon employment and each employee must sign the drug and alcohol policy. A copy of the policy is available upon request from the Office Manager. The drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy may be subject to revision from time-to-time without notice. 5.0 HOURS OF WORK, ATTENDANCE, AND PUNCTUALITY 5.1 Hours of Work The normal work week for SAMPLE COMPANY shall consist of 40 hours from Monday through Sunday. Employees may request the opportunity to vary their work schedules (within employerdefined limits) to better accommodate personal responsibilities. Subject to SAMPLE COMPANY work assignments and Executive Director approval, the employee’s supervisor shall determine the hours of employment that best suit the needs of the work to be done by the individual employee. Sample Company Employee Handbook 3 5.2 Attendance and Punctuality Attendance is a key factor in job performance. Punctuality and regular attendance are expected of all employees. Excessive absences (whether excused or unexcused), tardiness, or leaving early is unacceptable. If you are absent for any unscheduled reason or plan to arrive late, you must notify your supervisor and the Office Manager as far in advance as possible and no later than the start of your scheduled work day. In the event of an emergency, you must notify your supervisor as soon as possible. For all unscheduled absences extending longer than one day, you must notify your immediate supervisor prior to the start of each scheduled workday. When reporting an absence, you should indicate the nature of the problem causing your absence and your expected return-to-work date. A physician’s statement may be required as proof of the need for any illness-related absence regardless of the length of the absence. Except as provided in other policies, an employee who is absent from work for three consecutive days without notification to his or her supervisor or the Executive Director will be considered to have voluntarily terminated his or her employment. The employee’s final paycheck will be mailed to the last mailing address on file with SAMPLE COMPANY. Excessive absences, tardiness, or leaving early will not be tolerated. Depending on the circumstances, including the employee’s length of employment, SAMPLE COMPANY management may, at its option, counsel employees prior to termination for excessive absences, tardiness, or leaving early. 5.3 Overtime Overtime pay, which is applicable only to Non-Exempt Employees (see Section 8.0), is for any time worked in excess of 40 hours in a work week. Only the Executive Director or his or her designee, upon the request of an employee's supervisor, may authorize overtime. Overtime rate is one and one-half (1½) times the employee's straight time rate. 6.0 EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES 6.1 Definition of Terms 1. Employer. SAMPLE COMPANY is the employer of all full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. An employee is hired, provided compensation and applicable benefits, and has his or her work directed and evaluated by SAMPLE COMPANY. 2. Full-time Employee. A full-time employee regularly works at least 40 hours per week. 3. Part-time Employee. A part-time employee regularly works less than 40 hours per week. 4. Exempt Employee. An exempt employee is an employee who is paid on a salary basis and meets the qualifications for exemption from the overtime requirements of the Fair Sample Company Employee Handbook 4 Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"). 5. 6. Non-exempt Employee. A non-exempt employee is an employee who is paid an hourly rate and does not meet the qualifications for exemption from the overtime requirements of FLSA. For non-exempt employees, an accurate record of hours worked must be maintained. SAMPLE COMPANY will compensate non-exempt employees in accordance with applicable federal and state law and regulations. Seasonal Employee. A seasonal employee is a non-exempt individual employed, either on a full-time or part-time basis from time-to-time. Seasonal employees are entitled only to those benefits required by statute or as otherwise stated in the Handbook. All employees are classified as Exempt or Non-Exempt in accordance with federal and state law and regulations. Each employee is notified at the time of hire of his or her specific compensation category and exempt or non-exempt status. 6.2 Job Descriptions Each position shall have a written job description. In general, the description will include: the purpose of the position, immediate supervisor(s), areas of responsibilities, qualifications required, and working conditions affecting the job (e.g., working hours, use of car, etc.). The Board of Directors of SAMPLE COMPANY shall have discretion to modify any job description at any time, with or without notice, to meet the needs of SAMPLE COMPANY. Evaluations will be conducted by the Executive Director. At its discretion, the Board of Directors may review any employee's evaluation. The Executive Director shall be evaluated by the Board of Directors, a committee, or officers thereof, as it directs from time-to-time. 6.3 Pay Rules governing pay are promulgated by the SAMPLE COMPANY fiscal committee of the Board of Directors and are excerpted from fiscal policy and may be changed from time-to-time without notice at the discretion of the Board of Directors. 6.3.1 Pay Periods, Overtime, Holidays Pay periods shall be biweekly, with payroll being issued on alternate Mondays. The workweek shall begin on Monday and end on Sunday. Any approved hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week by non-exempt employees will be compensated at 1½ times the hourly wage. 6.3.2 Issuance of Paychecks Each employee will prepare a weekly timesheet, which shall be approved and signed by the employee’s immediate supervisor. Sample Company Employee Handbook 5 Checks will be issued by 5:00 PM on alternate Mondays. All payroll checks shall be handdelivered to the employee, deposited in the employee’s checking account if such account is in the same banking institution as the SAMPLE COMPANY bank account and the employee so requests, or mailed to the employee's home address. An employee may authorize the Fiscal Officer to hand deliver his/her check to a person designated by the employee and known to the Fiscal Officer or Executive Director. 6.3.3 Advances No payroll advances will be paid to any employee. 6.4 Conflict of Interest and Nepotism 6.4.1 Business Dealings It is the policy of SAMPLE COMPANY not to allow Board of Directors members or staff to engage in activities which might be construed as involving a conflict of interest. In general, most business dealings between Board of Directors members or employees and SAMPLE COMPANY are precluded. Where such dealings occur, the Board of Directors member or employee must make full disclosure of such interests prior to engaging in business with SAMPLE COMPANY and refrain from all discussion and voting on the issue. A full and open record of such dealing shall be kept and made available for audit and review. Nothing in this policy shall preclude Board of Directors members or employees from receiving services provided by SAMPLE COMPANY under state or federal contract for which such Board of Directors members or employees may be eligible on the basis of income or need. Such services shall be provided in accordance with contract provisions. Eligibility documents shall be made available to appropriate officials as with any applicant for services. 6.4.2 Nepotism No person who serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors may be employed by SAMPLE COMPANY. No person, either as a member of the governing Board of Directors or as an employee, shall hold any position over which any member of the immediate family has authority to order or recommend personnel actions without the prior approval of the Board of Directors. Immediate family includes: husband, wife, father, father-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-inlaw, brother, brother-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, son, son-in-law. 6.4.3 Political Action No person shall be employed as a reward for the support or defeat of any political party or candidate for office, nor may any employee engage in partisan political activity in his/her official capacity as a SAMPLE COMPANY employee. Sample Company Employee Handbook 6 7.0 WORK AND COMPENSATION REVIEW The work of each employee is reviewed annually, at a minimum, or as needed by a Crew Leader or higher level staff. All employees are subject to work review by the Board of Directors, at its discretion. Compensation will be increased based on performance reviews or for such other reason as may be provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be responsible for making wage recommendations for approval by the Board of Directors following performance and work reviews on an annual basis or as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors. 8.0 ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND INSURANCE Employee Initial Here SAMPLE COMPANY provides benefits to all eligible full-time employees. The following outline of available benefits is provided with the understanding that benefit plans may change from time-to-time, and the plan brochures (known as Summary Plan Descriptions [the Plan], provided to employees within 30 days of employment) or contracts are to be considered the final word on the terms and conditions of the employee benefits provided by SAMPLE COMPANY. For eligibility requirements, refer to the Plan document for each benefit program. Continuation of any benefits after termination of employment will be solely at the employee's expense and only if permitted by policies and statutes. The Executive Director, Office Manager, and Fiscal Officer will present recommendations for levels of deductibility, co-payments, and employee contributions for all insurance-related benefits to the Board of Directors annually. Employees will be notified within 30 days of any change to these items. SAMPLE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR TERMINATE ANY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AT ANY TIME. 8.1 Health/Life Insurance SAMPLE COMPANY currently provides individual health and dental insurance benefits for eligible full-time employees except those who are insured through their spouse, retired military, or other plans, beginning after the first full month of employment, unless prohibited by law or the Plan provider. Eligible employees may elect to participate in available health plan(s) offered by SAMPLE COMPANY. SAMPLE COMPANY presently pays the individual major medical insurance premium for all participating eligible employees. SAMPLE COMPANY may require employees to pay a portion of insurance premium in the future. Information about SAMPLE COMPANY's health plan(s) will be provided to the employee within 30 days of employment. 8.2 Insurance SAMPLE COMPANY currently permits employees to participate in a supplemental insurance program through pretax payroll deduction's at the employees expense. Employee's may select from a list of benefits. Enrollment periods and changes during the year are governed by federal law. Plan information will be provided to the employee within 30 days of employment. Sample Company Employee Handbook 7 8.3 Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid SAMPLE COMPANY participates in the provisions of the Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs. Employees’ contributions are deducted from each paycheck and SAMPLE COMPANY contributes at the applicable wage base as established by federal law. 8.4 Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Insurance Employees are covered for benefits under the Workers' Compensation Law. Absences for which worker compensation benefits are provided are not charged against the eligible employee's sick leave. To assure proper protection for employees and SAMPLE COMPANY, any accident that occurs on the job must be reported, even if there are no injuries apparent at the time. The Safety Officer may order the employee to rest, cease work, or seek medical treatment as appropriate. Forms for reporting accidents are available from the Safety Officer. SAMPLE COMPANY also participates in the State unemployment insurance program. 8.5 Insert information about particular SAMPLE COMPANY benefits SAMPLE COMPANY currently provides a retirement program for eligible employees who have attained 21 years of age and have completed one full year of employment. An employee may choose to participate according to the rules of the Plan. Participation information will be provided during the first enrollment period following employee's eligibility qualification. Employer's percentage contribution to the retirement program is reviewed and determined annually by the Board of Directors. Information about SAMPLE COMPANY's retirement plan will be provided to the employee at the time of employment. 9.0 LEAVE BENEFITS AND OTHER WORK POLICIES 9.1 Holidays Full-time employees are eligible for ten (10) holidays per year as follows: New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day The day after Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day The day before or after Christmas as determined by management staff One personal floating holiday day Full-time employees (employees who regularly work at least 40 hours per week) receive one (1) paid day off for each full day of holiday time. Part-time and seasonal employees will be ineligible for holiday pay, but will not be required to work on scheduled holidays. In those years when Independence Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day fall on Saturday, then the holiday Sample Company Employee Handbook 8 day will be taken on Friday, when the holiday falls on Sunday, the holiday day will be on Monday. 9.2 Vacation Full-time employees will begin to accrue vacation immediately upon employment at the rate of four (4) hours per pay period to a maximum of 104 hours. Part-time and seasonal employees are ineligible for vacation benefits. Use of Vacation is subject to approval by the supervisor or Executive Director. No Vacation shall be approved or paid following notice of separation initiated by the employee. Accrued vacation benefits shall be cashed out in the final paycheck. Employees may not accrue more than the maximum leave they are allowed. Once an employee reaches his or her annual ceiling (104 hours), the employee ceases to accrue any additional Vacation benefits. If an employee later uses enough Vacation benefits to fall below the ceiling (104 hours), the employee starts to accrue leave again from that date forward until he or she reaches his or her vacation ceiling. Accordingly, employees are encouraged to use all Vacation benefits in the calendar year in which they are earned in order to avoid reaching the ceiling limit. 9.3 Sick Leave Full-time employees will begin to accrue sick leave immediately upon employment at the rate of four (4) hours per pay period for full-time employees beginning immediately upon employment. Part-time and seasonal employees will be ineligible for sick leave. Unused sick leave can accumulate from year to year up to a maximum of 240 hours. Employees may donate unused sick leave to another employee for use in extreme medical situations for amounts accrued in excess of 52 hours by confidential coordination with the fiscal officer. No sick leave benefits are paid upon notice of separation of employment from SAMPLE COMPANY for any reason. 9.4 Military Leave Employees who are inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States or are called to duty as a member of a reserve unit may take an unpaid leave in accordance with applicable law. The employee must provide advance notice of his or her need for a military leave and SAMPLE COMPANY will request a copy of the employee’s orders, which will be kept on record by SAMPLE COMPANY. The time an employee spends on military leave will be counted as continuous service for the purpose of determining eligibility and accrual for various benefit plans and policies. For military leaves extending 30 days or less, SAMPLE COMPANY will continue to pay the employer's portion of the premium on health insurance, if any, that it was paying before military leave began. In order to continue such health insurance, the employee must continue to pay his or her portion of premiums during this period. For military leaves extending beyond 30 days, the Sample Company Employee Handbook 9 employee will have the option to continue his or her insurance coverage at the employee’s cost. Upon return from military leave, employees will be reinstated as required by law and benefits will be reinstated with no waiting periods, except as may be required by SAMPLE COMPANY's Plan providers. 9.5 Civic Responsibility SAMPLE COMPANY believes in the civic responsibility of its employees and encourages this by allowing employees time off to serve jury duty when required and to serve as Election Day poll workers. Employee's shall receive one hour during the course of the work day to take part in voting on election days. 9.6 Bereavement Leave Employees shall be entitled to bereavement leave with up to three (3) days pay in the event of a death in the employee’s immediate family. If an employee wishes to take time off due to the death of an immediate family member, the employee should notify SAMPLE COMPANY immediately. Approval of bereavement leave will occur in the absence of unusual operating requirements. An employee may use, with the Executive Director's approval, available paid leave (i.e., vacation or sick leave) for additional time off as necessary and in accordance with operating needs. 9.7 Family Leave An employee who has been employed for no less than 12 months shall be granted up to 12 workweeks of job-protected leave during a 12-month period for the following reasons: for the birth and care of a new born child of the employee, for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care, to care for a child of the employee who has a serious health condition. Leave for birth and care or placement for adoption or foster care must conclude within 12 months of the birth or placement. The employee may use any accrued sick or vacation leave during this time. Amounts of leave in excess of accrued sick or vacation leave shall be unpaid. In the event that both parents are employees of SAMPLE COMPANY, total leave per family (not per employee) shall be limited to 12 workweeks. During such leave, the employee may continue health insurance through SAMPLE COMPANY at the employee's expense. If the employee allows health insurance to lapse during the leave period, the employee will be subject to any restriction and waiting periods imposed by the insurance provider upon the employee's return to work. An employee who takes family leave for more than 4 consecutive weeks or an employee who is in a critical management position at the time of leave shall not be guaranteed the same position upon their return to work. The employee may be shifted to a different position with different duties and a different pay scale if it serves the best interest of SAMPLE COMPANY to fill the employee's original position during the employee's absence. 10.0 MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES Sample Company Employee Handbook 10 Employees may be required from time-to-time to attend, with pay, meetings and conferences that provide training and educational opportunities related to the employee's current or anticipated work with SAMPLE COMPANY. Out of town travel for up to seven (7) days may be required for such meetings and conferences. An employee serves as an official representative of SAMPLE COMPANY at a conference or meeting and is considered on official business and not on leave, and is expected to conduct him/herself in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Employee shall sign a training agreement prior to receiving any such training that provides a prorated reimbursement for training and travel paid by SAMPLE COMPANY to be withheld from employee's final paycheck if separation is initiated by the employee within six months of receiving such training, or for the full cost of any nonrefundable registration and travel expenses incurred by SAMPLE COMPANY for pending training not yet received by the employee. 11.0 REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES Approved travel expenses, whether advanced or reimbursed, are paid consistent with State of guidelines and SAMPLE COMPANY fiscal policy, as it may be revised from time-to-time. Guidelines and reimbursement request forms are available from the Office Manager. Expense forms with receipts must be provided to the Office Manager for all expenditures made in order to claim reimbursement. In the event the employee loses or does not receive a receipt, a claim may be made using a lost receipt form. 12.0 PERSONNEL RECORDS Employee Initial Here Personnel records are the property of SAMPLE COMPANY, and access to the information they contain is restricted and confidential. It is the responsibility of each employee to promptly notify his or her supervisor in writing of any changes in personnel data, including personal mailing addresses, telephone numbers, names of dependents, and individuals to be contacted in the event of an emergency. 13.0 SEPARATION Employee Initial Here Either SAMPLE COMPANY or the employee may initiate separation (see Section 3.0, above). SAMPLE COMPANY encourages employees to provide at least two weeks (10 days) written notice prior to intended separation. After receiving such notice, an exit interview will be scheduled by the Executive Director and Office Manager. The Board of Directors retains discretion to employ or separate any or all employees including the Executive Director. The Board of Directors may delegate to the Executive Director the authority to employ or discharge all subordinate employees. Employees must ensure that current contact information (e.g., address, telephone number) is on file with the Fiscal Officer within five (5) days of separation. No sick leave benefits are paid once notice of separation of employment from SAMPLE COMPANY has been given for any reason. No vacation time may be used following notice of separation and no vacation benefits are paid from the date of notice of separation of employment from SAMPLE COMPANY for any reason. Accrued vacation benefits shall be cashed out in the final paycheck. An employee who Sample Company Employee Handbook 11 has received training within six months of notice of separation, or who is registered for training shall have the prorated cost of training and travel expenses already received or the cost of any nonrefundable registration and travel costs for pending training withheld from the final paycheck. At the sole discretion of the Executive Director, the employee may be asked to leave immediately or be given a period of notice. When deemed necessary, any supervisor may temporarily suspend any employee on-site and the employee may be required to obtain return transportation from out-of-town locations at employee's own expense. Access to all SAMPLE COMPANY property will be immediately revoked in the event of such suspension. In the event of such suspension, the supervisor shall conference with the Executive Director at the first reasonable opportunity to determine ultimate resolution of the situation. 14.0 RETURN OF PROPERTY Employee Initial Here Employees are responsible for SAMPLE COMPANY equipment, property, and work products that may be issued to them and/or are in their possession or control and may be required to sign Acceptance of Liability forms. In the event of separation from employment, or immediately upon request by the Executive Director or his or her designee, Employees must return all SAMPLE COMPANY property that is in their possession or control. Where permitted by applicable law(s), SAMPLE COMPANY may withhold from the employee's final paycheck the cost of any property, including intellectual property, which is not returned when required. SAMPLE COMPANY also may take any legal action deemed appropriate to recover or protect its property. 15.0 OPEN AND TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION SAMPLE COMPANY has a policy of transparent, broad, and effective communications. It is recognized that in order for the Board of Directors and management staff to effectively govern and manage the organization, they may from time-to-time wish to make inquiries of any and all employees. Every employee has a fiduciary duty to fully and honestly disclose all information necessary to satisfy such informational requests. At the discretion of the inquirer (e.g., Board of Directors, legal counsel, Executive Director, or Fiscal Officer), such communications may be held in private and the subject of such communications may be held confidential, if necessary to support and encourage free and open communications between employees and management. Under no circumstances shall an employee be punished, discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against because the employee has provided information or otherwise assisted in an investigation regarding any conduct which the employee reasonably believes constitutes a violation of SAMPLE COMPANY rules or policy or other federal, state, or local laws relating to SAMPLE COMPANY's operations or contracts. Supervisors are prohibited from intimidating, threatening, restraining, coercing, blacklisting, or in any other manner discriminating against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment because of any lawful act done by the employee. Sample Company Employee Handbook 12 16.0 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE All SAMPLE COMPANY employees are encouraged to continually work at solving problems and issues related to their individual jobs. Whenever an employee has a complaint or request, it should be informally discussed with the immediate supervisor who should make every effort to resolve the problem in a fair and equitable manner which is consistent with SAMPLE COMPANY policy. The process should normally take no longer than three (3) working days SAMPLE COMPANY provides a process for resolving job conflicts through a formal grievance procedure. All employees may utilize the grievance procedure for resolution of any job issues WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A TERMINATION DECISION. In cases of disagreement in an employee-employer relationship, employees have the right to initiate a grievance procedure within 14 calendar days after the incident. The following steps should be followed when utilizing the grievance procedure. Step 1 Formal Presentation to Immediate Supervisor. The employee who has been unsuccessful in resolving the grievance in an informal manner shall specify in writing the grievance and desired remedy to the immediate supervisor. All matters must be lodged as formal grievance, clearly marked as such, within 14 calendar days after the incident occurred. The supervisor must give the employee a written answer within five (5) working days. Both the grievance and the response shall become a permanent part of both the employee's and supervisor's personnel file. Step 2 Hearing by the Executive Director. If a satisfactory settlement is not reached in Step 1, the employee shall submit a written report to the Executive Director within three (3) working days of the supervisor's ruling. The Executive Director shall affirm, overrule, or modify prior decisions within five (5) working days and shall provide the employee and supervisor with written findings. Such findings shall become a permanent part of both the employee's and supervisor's personnel file. Step 3 Hearing by the Board of Directors. If a satisfactory settlement is not reached in Step 4, the employee may submit a written request for review to the Board of Directors within three (3) working days of the Executive Director's ruling. The Board of Directors shall review the request within five (5) working days provide a decision on whether it shall consider the grievance further. If the Board of Directors refuses to consider the request, the decision of Executive Director is thereby affirmed. If the Board of Directors chooses to consider the grievance, it shall consider the complete record and shall affirm, overrule, or modify prior decisions within five (5) working days and shall provide the employee and supervisor with written findings. Such findings shall become a permanent part of both the employee's and supervisor's personnel file. In the event the Board of Directors finds the record to be incomplete, it may, at its discretion, launch an independent inquiry and may request both written and/or oral reports from employees involved in or knowledgeable about the dispute. Sample Company Employee Handbook 13 Grievances directly involving the Executive Director shall be decided by the Board of Directors. 17.0 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SAMPLE COMPANY shall follow the spirit and intent of all federal, state and local employment law and is committed to equal employment opportunity. To that end, the Board of Directors and Executive Director of SAMPLE COMPANY will not discriminate against any employee or applicant in a manner that violates the law. SAMPLE COMPANY is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit. SAMPLE COMPANY’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational, and recreational programs. The Executive Director shall act as the responsible agent in the full implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy. SAMPLE COMPANY will not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination. All employees are expected to cooperate fully in implementing this policy. In particular, any employee who believes that any other employee of SAMPLE COMPANY may have violated the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy should report the possible violation to the Executive Director. If SAMPLE COMPANY determines that a violation of this policy has occurred, it will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offending party, as determined by management staff and/or the Board of Directors. Employees who report, in good faith, violations of this policy and employees who cooperate with investigations into alleged violations of this policy will not be subject to retaliation. Upon completion of the investigation, SAMPLE COMPANY will inform the employee who made the complaint of the results of the investigation. SAMPLE COMPANY is also committed to complying fully with applicable disability discrimination laws, and ensuring that equal opportunity in employment exists at SAMPLE COMPANY for qualified persons with disabilities. All employment practices and activities are conducted on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be available to all qualified disabled employees, upon request, so long as the potential accommodation does not create an undue hardship on SAMPLE COMPANY. Employees who believe that they may require an accommodation should discuss these needs with the Executive Director. 18.0 POLICY AGAINST WORKPLACE HARASSMENT SAMPLE COMPANY is committed to providing a work environment for all employees that is free from sexual harassment and other types of discriminatory harassment. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to show respect for their co-workers. Sample Company Employee Handbook 14 SAMPLE COMPANY’s commitment begins with the recognition and acknowledgment that sexual harassment and other types of discriminatory harassment are, of course, unlawful. To reinforce this commitment, SAMPLE COMPANY has developed a policy against harassment and a reporting procedure for employees who have been subjected to or witnessed harassment. This policy applies to all work-related settings and activities, whether inside or outside the workplace, and includes business trips and business-related social events. SAMPLE COMPANY’s property (e.g. telephones, copy machines, facsimile machines, computers, and computer applications such as e-mail and internet access) may not be used to engage in conduct that violates this policy. SAMPLE COMPANY’s policy against harassment covers employees and other individuals who have a relationship with SAMPLE COMPANY which enables SAMPLE COMPANY to exercise some control over the individual’s conduct in places and activities that relate to SAMPLE COMPANY’s work (e.g. directors, officers, contractors, vendors, volunteers, etc.). 18.1 Prohibition of Sexual Harassment SAMPLE COMPANY’s policy against sexual harassment prohibits sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature, when: (1) submission to such conduct is made an express or implicit condition of employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual who submits to or rejects such conduct; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working environment. While it is not possible to list all of the circumstances which would constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples: (1) unwelcome sexual advances -- whether they involve physical touching or not; (2) requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised job benefits such as favorable reviews, salary increases, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment; or (3) coerced sexual acts. Depending on the circumstances, the following conduct may also constitute sexual harassment: (1) use of sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; (2) sexually oriented comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess; (3) displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons; (4) unwelcome leering, whistling, deliberate brushing against the body in a suggestive manner; (5) sexual gestures or sexually suggestive comments; (6) inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; or (7) discussion of one’s sexual activities. Sample Company Employee Handbook 15 While such behavior, depending on the circumstances, may not be severe or pervasive enough to create a sexually hostile work environment, it can nonetheless make co-workers uncomfortable. Accordingly, such behavior is inappropriate and may result in disciplinary action regardless of whether it is unlawful. It is also unlawful and expressly against SAMPLE COMPANY policy to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint of sexual harassment or for cooperating with an investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment. 18.2 Prohibition of Other Types of Discriminatory Harassment It is also against SAMPLE COMPANY’s policy to engage in verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his or her race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or other protected category (or that of the individual’s relatives, friends, or associates) that: (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working environment; (2) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance; or (3) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities. Depending on the circumstances, the following conduct may constitute discriminatory harassment: (1) epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, jokes, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability; and (2) written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group because of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability and that is circulated in the workplace, or placed anywhere in SAMPLE COMPANY’s premises such as on an employee’s desk or workspace or on SAMPLE COMPANY’s equipment or bulletin boards. Other conduct may also constitute discriminatory harassment if it falls within the definition of discriminatory harassment set forth above. It is also against SAMPLE COMPANY’s policy to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint of discriminatory harassment or for cooperating in an investigation of a complaint of discriminatory harassment. 18.3 Reporting of Harassment If any employee believes that they have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or other discriminatory harassment by any employee of SAMPLE COMPANY. The employee should report the incident immediately to the supervisor or to the Executive Director. Possible harassment by others with whom SAMPLE COMPANY has a business relationship, including customers and vendors, should also be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Sample Company Employee Handbook 16 SAMPLE COMPANY will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of harassment as discreetly and confidentially as practicable. The investigation would generally include a private interview with the person making a report of harassment. It would also generally be necessary to discuss allegations of harassment with the accused individual and others who may have information relevant to the investigation. SAMPLE COMPANY’s goal is to conduct a thorough investigation, to determine whether harassment occurred, and to determine what action to take if it is determined that improper behavior occurred. If SAMPLE COMPANY determines that a violation of this policy has occurred, it will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offending party, as determined by management and/or the Board of Directors. Employees who report violations of this policy and employees who cooperate with investigations into alleged violations of this policy will not be subject to retaliation. Upon completion of the investigation, SAMPLE COMPANY will inform the employee who made the complaint of the results of the investigation. Compliance with this policy is a condition of continued employment. Employees are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns about this policy or about possible discriminatory harassment with the Executive Director. In the case where the allegation of harassment is against the Executive Director, please notify the Office Manager. 19.0 SOLICITATION Employees are prohibited from soliciting (personally or via electronic mail) for membership, pledges, subscriptions, the collection of money or for any other unauthorized purpose anywhere on SAMPLE COMPANY property during work time, especially those of a partisan or political nature. "Work time" includes time spent in actual performance of job duties but does not include lunch periods or breaks. Non-working employees may not solicit or distribute to working employees. Persons who are not employed by SAMPLE COMPANY may not solicit or distribute literature on SAMPLE COMPANY’s premises at any time for any reason. Employees are prohibited from distributing, circulating or posting (on bulletin boards, refrigerators, walls, etc.) literature, petitions or other materials at any time for any purpose without the prior approval of the Executive Director or his/her designee. 20.0 LIST OF SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS (DOCUMENTS ARE ATTACHED OR MAY BE OBTAINED FROM OFFICE MANAGER) 1. Job Description 2. Drug And Alcohol Policy 3. Benefit Summary Plan Descriptions 4. Expense Reimbursement Forms 5. Lost Receipt Forms 6. Acceptance Of Liability Form Sample Company Employee Handbook 17 7. State Mileage, Expense, And Per Diem Guidelines 8. Employee Assistance Program Information 9. Safety Policy 10. Credit Card Agreement 11. Termination Recovery Checklist 12. Employee Performance Evaluation Form Sample Company