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Section 4: Standards of Conduct and Employee Performance

4.1 Anti- Harassment and Discrimination 


Diversity & Inclusion Policy 


The Company is dedicated to creating and maintaining an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion for all. Company values are important, and are only made better by gathering the experiences, knowledge, and perspectives of people from all walks of life. We celebrate differences in age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family and marital status, and all the various backgrounds that help shape us all. 


The Company's commitment to diversity applies to hiring practices, promotions, pay and benefits, terminations, training, teambuilding, and more. Prospective employees and current employees alike are expected to treat each other, and be treated, with respect and dignity. We seek to foster an environment that promotes: 

  • A healthy, collaborative, and courteous atmosphere. 

  • Engagement from all employees that allows for more varied insights. 

  • Adjustability, where appropriate, to allow for an individual's personal needs. 

  • Initiatives from the Company and the employees that encourage growth in the community. 

The Company is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual or any form of unlawful harassment or discrimination. Harassment or unlawful discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status or any other classification protected by local, state or federal laws is illegal and prohibited by Company policy. Such conduct by or towards any employee, contract worker, customer, vendor or anyone else who does business with the Company will not be tolerated. Any employee or contract worker who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of his or her employment or engagement. To the extent a customer, vendor or other person with whom the Company does business engages in unlawful harassment or discrimination, the Company will take appropriate corrective action. 


Names/ Pronouns: Employees have the right to be addressed by the name and pronoun that correspond to the employee's gender identity, upon request. A court-ordered name or gender change is not required. The intentional or persistent refusal to respect an employee's gender identity (for example, intentionally referring to the employee by a name or pronoun that does not correspond to the employee's gender identity) can constitute harassment and  is a violation of this policy. If you are unsure what pronoun a transitioning coworker might prefer, you can politely ask your coworker how they would like to be addressed.


Prohibited Conduct: Prohibited harassment or discrimination includes any verbal, physical or visual conduct based on sex, race, age, national origin, disability or any other legally protected basis if: 


a. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or engagement; 


b. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for decisions concerning that individual's employment or engagement; or 


c. it creates a hostile or offensive work environment. 


Prohibited harassment includes (but is not limited to) unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and lewd, vulgar or obscene remarks, jokes, posters or cartoons, and any unwelcome touching, pinching or other physical contact. Other forms of unlawful harassment or discrimination may include racial epithets, slurs and derogatory remarks, stereotypes, jokes, posters or cartoons based on race, national origin, age, disability, marital status or other legally protected categories. Prohibited harassment might also be transmitted using the Company's electronic communications system, or through other on-line conduct. 


Complaint Procedure: Employees or contract workers who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against, or who witness any harassment or discrimination by an employee, contract worker, customer, vendor or anyone else who does business with the Company, should immediately report such conduct to their supervisor or any other member of management. 


Do not allow an inappropriate situation to continue by not reporting it, regardless of who is creating the situation. No employee, contract worker, customer, vendor or other person who does business with this organization is exempt from the prohibitions in this policy. In response to every complaint, the Company will conduct an investigation which may involve interviewing witnesses if warranted and, if improper conduct is found, take appropriate corrective action. 


To the extent that an employee or contract worker is not satisfied with the Company's handling of a harassment or discrimination complaint, he or she may also contact the appropriate state or federal enforcement agency for legal relief. 


4.2 Attendance 


Punctuality and regular attendance are essential to the successful operation of the Company's business. If an employee is unable to report to work (or to report to work on time) for any reason, the employee must notify his or her supervisor before his or her starting time. If an employee desires to leave work for any reason during the workday, the employee must obtain the approval of his or her supervisor prior to leaving. In the event that the employee fails to call his or her supervisor or report for work for 3 consecutive workdays, the employee will be deemed to have voluntarily resigned from his or her employment with the Company and will be removed from the payroll. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.


4.3 Discipline and Standards of Conduct 


As an at-will employer, the Company may impose discipline whenever it determines it is necessary or appropriate. Discipline may take various forms, including verbal counseling, written warnings, suspension, demotion, transfer, reassignment or termination. The discipline imposed will depend on the circumstances of each case; therefore, discipline will not necessarily be imposed in any particular sequence. Moreover, at any time the Company determines it is appropriate, an employee may be terminated immediately. 


Every organization must have certain standards of conduct to guide the behavior of employees. Although there is no possible way to identify every rule of conduct, the following is an illustrative list (not intended to be comprehensive or to limit the Company's right to impose discipline for any other conduct it deems inappropriate). Keep in mind that these standards of conduct apply to all employees whenever they are on Company property and/or conducting Company business (on or off Company property). Engaging in any conduct the Company deems inappropriate may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 

  • Dishonesty; 

  • Falsification of Company records; 

  • Unauthorized use or possession of property that belongs to the Company, a coworker, or of the public; 

  • Possession or control of illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, or other dangerous or unauthorized materials; 

  • Fighting, engaging in threats of violence or violence, use of vulgar or abusive language, horseplay, practical jokes or other disorderly conduct that may endanger others or damage property; 

  • Insubordination, failure to perform assigned duties or failure to comply with the Company's health, safety or other rules; 

  • Unauthorized or careless use of the Company's materials, equipment or property; 

  • Unauthorized and/or excessive absenteeism or tardiness; 

  • Lack of teamwork, poor communication, unsatisfactory performance, unprofessional conduct, or conduct improper for the workplace; 

  • Sexual or other illegal harassment or discrimination; 

  • Unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company's confidential information; 

  • Violation of any Company policy.

4.4 Dress Code 


What we wear to work is a reflection of the pride we have in our Company, in what we do, and in ourselves. Although dress code requirements will vary according to job responsibilities, we ask that your appearance at all times show discretion, good taste, and appropriateness for the safe performance of your job. 


4.5 Safety 


The Company is committed to providing a safe workplace. Accordingly, the Company emphasizes "safety first." It is the employee's responsibility to take steps to promote safety in the workplace and work in a safe  manner. By remaining safety conscious, employees can protect themselves and their coworkers. Employees are expected to promptly report all unsafe working conditions, accidents and injuries, regardless of how minor so that any potential hazards can be corrected. 


4.6 Substance and Abuse 


The Company is committed to providing its employees with a safe and productive work environment. In keeping with this commitment, it maintains a strict policy against the the unlawful use of drugs in the workplace. Consequently, no employee may consume or possess, sell, purchase or transfer illegal drugs at any time while on the Company's premises or while using the Company vehicles or equipment, or at any location during work time. No employee may report to work with illegal drugs (or their metabolites). 


The only exception to this rule is that employees may engage in moderate consumption of alcohol that may be served and/or consumed as part of an authorized Company social or business event. "Illegal drug" means any drug that is not legally obtainable or that is legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained. It includes prescription drugs not being used for prescribed purposes or by the person to whom it is prescribed or in prescribed amounts. It also includes any substance a person holds out to another as an illegal drug. 


Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 


Any employee who feels he or she has developed an addiction to, dependence upon, or problem with alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal, is strongly encouraged to seek assistance before a violation of this policy occurs. Any employee who requests time off to participate in a rehabilitation program will be reasonably accommodated. However, employees may not avoid disciplinary action, up to and including termination, by entering a rehabilitation program after a violation of this policy is suspected or discovered.


4.7 Workplace Searches 


All offices, desks, file drawers, cabinets, lockers, Company vehicles, and other Company equipment (including but not limited to computers, e-mail and voice mail) and facilities or any area on Company premises are the property of the Company ("Company Property"), and are intended for business use. Employees should have no expectation of privacy with respect to Company property and/or items stored within Company Property or on Company premises. Inspection may be conducted at any time, without notice, at the discretion of the Company. 


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