SAMPLE POLICIES

Following are a few of the actual policies that are included in our Policies Handbook. You can review these samples to see if the philosophy expressed and the writing style are compatible with what you want to convey to your employees.

You will see that the policies are written in plain English, not "legalese," and that the objective is to convey respect for the employee and at the same time explain the rationale behind the company's requirements.

TERMINATION
Termination is an undesirable outcome for both the employee and the Company, but may be necessary if the employee is unable or unwilling to meet the Company's performance standards.

It is our goal to make this a satisfying work environment which encourages and rewards long-term employment. However, it should be understood that, unless there is a written employment contract between the parties, there is no obligation on the part of the Company or any employee to continue this relationship for any guaranteed or specified time.

You are free to resign your position at any time you wish, with or without notice, and for any reason you deem appropriate. While the Company would appreciate advance notice if you plan to resign, this is a matter of courtesy and is not required by law. Likewise, the Company has the right to terminate any employee at any time, with or without notice, for any reason not prohibited by specific contracts or laws.

No one has the authority to make any promises or guarantees of permanent employment on behalf of the Company.

The Company recognizes and understands the desire for job security at every level of employment. No business has the power, however, to guarantee a lifetime job to anyone. The Company believes the best way to achieve continued success and job security is through the joint efforts of management and all employees to continually offer superior products and service to our customers and clients. Job security is not something that any company can promise you. Your future is something you create for yourself through your own skills and dedication.

You can be assured, however, that it is our policy to avoid layoffs or terminations insofar as possible. But we must reserve the right to take such actions as are necessary for the survival and well-being of the organization.

If you should decide to resign voluntarily, the Company would appreciate as much advance notice as possible. A leave of absence may be explored as an alternative to termination, if you so desire.

DRESS CODE
While we do not wish to limit your expressions of taste and individuality, we must all be aware that what we wear to work is a reflection of our own professionalism and that of the organization. We ask you to dress appropriately for our type of business and your position in particular.

In addition, certain requirements must be observed. Clothing should not be provocative (e.g., low-cut, revealing, or extremely tight-fitting). Your clothing should not be hazardous to your own safety (e.g., open-toed shoes or loose hanging shirttails if you are working around machinery). Extremely casual dress is generally not considered appropriate for work. If "casual days" are occasionally designated by management, appropriate guidelines will be explained to you.

Obviously, a professional appearance is especially important for those of us who at any time come into contact with clients and/or potential customers. Please use good judgment and good taste, remembering that rightly or wrongly, people do judge us as an organization, based in part on our appearance.

WORK SCHEDULE
The specific work schedule for your position will be explained to you by your supervisor. Every effort will be made to consider your own personal needs, as well as the demands of your position, in setting your specific work schedule. Some positions and some types of work offer more opportunity for flexibility than others. We will do the best we can to allow all employees to create the best possible balance between work and personal life.

Employees are entitled to a one-hour lunch break. Depending on the requirements of your particular position, you may choose the hour that is most convenient, so long as all work stations are adequately covered and your absence does not create a problem for co-workers or clients.

ABSENTEEISM AND TARDINESS
Once your particular work schedule has been determined, you are expected to be at work on time and to work the full number of hours scheduled. Everyone must assume this responsibility, in fairness to your co-workers and our clients.

Some positions require that an employee be at his/her work station during a specified time frame. In such cases, being at your work station during this time is an essential function of your job. Other positions simply require the production or completion of certain assignments to meet a deadline, but there can be flexibility as to when and where the work is produced. The requirements of your specific position will be worked out with your supervisor.

Planned absences should be approved by your supervisor as far in advance as possible. If you are unable to give advance notice but find you must be absent from work for any reason, please call your supervisor as soon as possible. Repeated violation of the attendance requirements of your position will be cause for written warnings, possible discipline and/or eventual termination.

These are just a few samples of the management issues addressed by our Policies Handbook. All the policies are completely written out for you in a simple word processing file. You can use the wording as is or customize it any way you want to. Save yourself literally hundreds of hours compared to doing your own research and writing.