—
Buddies Private Club for
Gay & Bisexual Men
STAFF MEMBER MANUAL
&
OPERATION GUIDE
Revised 8/15/2017
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to acquaint you with Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men and provide you with information about policies and procedures affecting your time with us.
The information contained in this manual applies to all personnel of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men. Following the policies and procedures described in this manual is considered a condition of continued involvement at Buddies Private Club. The contents of this manual shall not constitute nor be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between the company and any of its stuff members. The manual is a summary of our policies and procedures, which are presented here only as a matter of information.
You are responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with the provisions of this manual. Our objective is to provide you with a work environment that is safe and fun.
RELATIONSHIPS
You enter into involvement voluntarily, and you are free to resign at any time for any reason or no reason. Similarly, Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men is free to conclude its relationship with any individual, any time for any reason or no reason.
SECTION 2
POLICIES
NON-DISCLOSURE/CONFIDENTIALITY
The protection of confidential business information and trade secrets is vital to the interests and success of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men. Such confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:
- Compensation data,
- Financial information,
- Marketing strategies,
- Pending projects and proposals,
- Proprietary production processes,
- Personnel/Payroll records, and
- Conversations between any persons associated with the company.
Individuals who improperly use or disclose trade secrets or confidential business information will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment and legal action, even if they do not actually benefit from the disclosed information.
ORIENTATION & TRAINING
Orientation is a formal welcoming process that is designed to make you feel comfortable, informed about the company, and prepared for your position. Orientation is conducted by a member of management, and includes an overview of the company history, an explanation of the company core values, vision, and mission; and company goals and objectives.
You will be presented with all codes, keys, and procedures needed to navigate within the workplace. Your supervisor will then introduce you to staff throughout the company, review your job description and scope of position, explains the company’s evaluation procedures, and help you get started on specific functions.
BUSINESS HOURS
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men is open for business from 3pm – 4am Monday Thru Thursday & 3pm Friday to 4am Monday Morning everyday, except for Thanksgiving day and Christmas day which is 6pm – 4am.
BREAK PERIODS
Since Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men is run with one staff member it does not provide breaks during work hours except for smoke breaks to be taken in the designated public areas of the club in order to be available should any club members need assistance. Smoking must be limited to no more than one quick (3 or 4 minutes) cigarette break per hour.
Personal business should be conducted on your own time. Personal calls, texts and emails should not be conducted during shift.
You are to arrive at work, ready to work. The first 2 hours of the opening shift is to be spent only on opening task to prepare the club for business. There is to be no eating, snacking, or anything in between until after 3pm and all opening procedures are done.
If you do not adhere to the break policy, you will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
At times, emergencies such as severe weather or power failures can disrupt club operations. The decision to close the office will be made by management ONLY.
You are NOT authorized to make this decision on your own. If you believe the club should be closed, you must contact a member of management.
Time off from scheduled work due to emergency closings will be unpaid.
OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
You may hold outside jobs in non-related businesses or professions as long as you meet the performance standards of your job description with Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men. Unless an alternative work schedule has been approved by Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men, you will be subject to the company’s scheduling demands, regardless of any existing outside work assignments.
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men’s office space, equipment, and materials are not to be used for outside employment.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men holds each of its staff members to certain work rules and standards of conduct. When you deviate from these rules and standards, Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men expects your supervisor to take corrective action.
Corrective action at Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men is progressive. That is, the action taken in response to a rule infraction or violation of standards typically follows a pattern increasing in seriousness until the infraction or violation is corrected.
The usual sequence of corrective actions includes a verbal warning, a written warning, probation, and finally termination. In deciding which initial corrective action would be appropriate, a supervisor will consider the seriousness of the infraction, the circumstances surrounding the matter, and your previous record.
Though committed to a progressive approach to corrective action, Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men considers certain rule infractions and violations of standards as grounds for immediate termination of employment. These include but are not limited to: theft in any form, insubordinate behavior, vandalism or destruction of company property, being on company property during non-business hours, the use of company equipment without prior authorization by management, untruthfulness about personal work history, skills, or training, divulging Company business practices and information regarding club members, sexual contact with a member during your assigned shift, being in a private room with the door closed with or without a member, drug or alcohol usage directly prior to or during a shift and misrepresentations of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men to a customer, a prospective customer, the general public, or an employee.
TERMINATION
Termination is an inevitable part of personnel activity within any organization, and many of the reasons for termination are routine. Below are a few examples of some of the most common circumstances under which relationships are terminated:
- Resignation – voluntary termination initiated by an employee.
- Termination – involuntary termination initiated by Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men.
When you intend to terminate your relationship with Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men, you must give Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men at least two (2) weeks written notice.
Since your relationship with Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men is based on mutual consent, both you and Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men have the right to terminate at will, with or without cause during the Introductory/Probationary Period.
If you terminate your relationship with Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men, you must return all uniform shirts, records, keys, and any other materials that are property of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men. No final settlement of pay will be made until all items are returned in appropriate condition. The cost of replacing non-returned items will be deducted from the final paycheck. Furthermore, any outstanding financial obligations owed to Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men will also be deducted from the final check.
Depending on the reason for Termination, management may elect to ban you from Club Q, Club Buddies and the property for a period of several months to permanently. You will be notified if this is the case.
SAFETY
You are expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution and common sense in all work activities. You must immediately report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Anyone who violates safety standards, cause hazardous or dangerous situations, or fail to report, or where appropriate, remedy such situations, may be subject to disciplinary action including termination.
In the case of an accident that results in injury, regardless of how insignificant the injury may appear, employees should notify their supervisor.
HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES
If you become aware of any health-related issue, you should notify your supervisor of your health status. This policy has been instituted strictly to protect you.
A written “permission to work” from your doctor is required at the time or shortly after notice has been given. The doctor’s note should specify whether you are able to perform regular duties as outlined in your job description.
BUILDING SECURITY
If you are issued keys to the club, you are responsible for their safekeeping. You will sign a Building Key Disbursement form upon receiving the key. The last worker who leaves the club at the end of the business day assumes the responsibility to ensure that all doors are securely locked, all lights are turned off and the security alarm is set. You are not allowed on Company property after hours without prior authorization from management.
INSURANCE ON PERSONAL EFFECTS
You should be sure that your own personal insurance policies cover the loss of anything occasionally left at the office. Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men assumes no risk for any loss or damage to personal property.
SUPPLIES; EXPENDITURES; OBLIGATING THE COMPANY
Only authorized persons may purchase supplies in the name of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men. If your regular duties do not include purchasing, you shall not incur any expense on behalf of Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men or bind Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men by any promise or representation without management approval. Any expense requires you to leave the receipt in your money drop envelope, and only taking the exact difference out of the drawer.
PARKING
You must park your car on the west side (Buddies side) of the building.
VISITORS IN THE WORKPLACE
To provide for the safety and security of you, club members, and the facilities at Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men, NO personal visitors are allowed in the club or at the window. You are here to work not socialize with friends.
SECTION 3
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The work rules and standards of conduct for Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men are important, and the Company regards them seriously. You are required to become familiar with these rules and standards. In addition, you are expected to follow the rules and standards faithfully in doing you own jobs and conducting the Company’s business. Please note that anyone who deviates from these rules and standards will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination.
While not intended to list all the forms of behavior that are considered unacceptable in the workplace, the following are examples of rule infractions or misconduct that may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
- Divulging personal information regarding club members to anyone other than management;
- Divulging the activities of any club member to anyone other than management;
- Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of property;
- Falsification of timekeeping records
- Working under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs
- Possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or use of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs in the workplace
- Fighting or threatening violence in the workplace;
- Boisterous or disruptive activity in the workplace;
- Negligence or improper conduct leading to damage of company-owned or customer-owned property;
- Insubordination or other disrespectful conduct;
- Violation of safety or health rules;
- Smoking in unauthorized locations in the workplace;
- Excessive absenteeism or any absence without notice
- Unauthorized use of telephones, or other company-owned equipment
- Using company equipment for purposes other than business
- Unauthorized disclosure of business “secrets” or confidential information;
- Personal use of PDA’s, laptops and cell phones
- Violation of personnel policies; and
- Unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY
The Company expects that you will be regular and punctual in attendance. This means being in the club, ready to work, at your starting time each day. Absenteeism and tardiness places a burden on other employees and on the Company.
If you are unable to report for work for any reason, notify your supervisor before regular starting time. You are responsible for speaking directly with a member of management about your absence. If you text, you MUST receive a confirmation from you manager that the text has been received. Should undue tardiness become apparent, disciplinary action may be required.
ABSENCE WITHOUT NOTICE
When you are unable to work owing to illness or an accident, you must notify your manager with as much notice as possible.
TELEPHONE USE
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men telephones are intended for the use of serving our customers and in conducting the Company’s business.
To respect the rights of everyone and avoid miscommunication in the office, you must inform family members and friends to limit personal telephone calls during working hours.
If you are found to be deviating from this policy, you will be subject to disciplinary action.
PUBLIC IMAGE
A professional appearance is important anytime that you come in contact with club members. You should be clean, well groomed and dressed appropriately. You must bathe, brush your teeth, wear deodorant and have neatly trimmed facial hair if you have a beard or mustache.
The following items are considered appropriate working attire for Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men:
- Jeans
- Khaki or black casual pants
- Khaki or black casual shorts
- Uniform shirt
- Socks
- Black or brown shoes, clean running shoes (no sandals, flip flops, etc)
- Sexy underwear and shirtless are authorized with manager permission
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Company is committed to providing a safe and productive workplace. In keeping with this commitment, the following rules regarding alcohol and drugs of abuse have been established for all staff members.
The manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, or purchase of controlled substances of abuse on Company property is prohibited.
Being under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or substances of abuse on Company property is prohibited.
Working while under the influence of prescription drugs that impair performance is prohibited.
So that there is no question about what these rules signify, please note the following definitions:
Company property: All Company owned or leased property used by employees.
Controlled substance of abuse: Any substance listed in Schedules I-V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act, as amended.
Drug: Any chemical substance that produces physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in the user.
Drug paraphernalia: Equipment, a product, or material that is used or intended for use in concealing an illegal drug, or otherwise introducing into the human body an illegal drug or controlled substance.
Illegal drug:
a. Any drug or derivative thereof whose use, possession, sale, transfer, attempted sale or transfer, manufacture, or storage is illegal or regulated under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
b. Any drug, including – but not limited to – a prescription drug, used for any reason other than that prescribed by a physician.
c. Inhalants used illegally.
Under the influence: A state of not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties resulting from the voluntary introduction into the body of an alcoholic beverage, drug, or substance of abuse.
Consistent with the rules listed above, any of the following actions constitutes a violation of the Company’s policy on drugs and may subject you to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination.
Using, selling, purchasing, transferring, manufacturing, or storing an illegal drug or drug paraphernalia, or attempting to or assisting another to do so, while in the course of working at Buddies Private Club.
Working or reporting to work, conducting Company business or being on Company property while under the influence of an illegal drug or alcohol, or in an impaired condition.
If your manager is suspicious of drug or alcohol use while working, you will be asked to perform a breathalyzer or drug test. If you refuse to submit to the test this will be considered a positive result and terminated.
INTERNET USE
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men employees are allowed use of the Internet and e-mail when necessary to serve our customers and conduct the Company’s business.
You may use the Internet when appropriate to access information needed to conduct business of the Company. You may use e-mail when appropriate for Company business correspondence.
Personal use of the internet is not authorized. Downloading any software to the Buddies computer is specifically not authorized.
Internet messages are public and not private. Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men reserves the right to access and monitor all files and messages on its systems.
SECTION 4
WAGE AND SALARY POLICIES
WAGE OR SALARY INCREASES
Your hourly wage will be reviewed at least once each year. Your review date will usually be conducted on or about your anniversary date or the date of the previous compensation review. Such reviews may be conducted more frequently for a newly created position, or based on a recent promotion.
Increases will be determined on the basis of performance, adherence to company policies and procedures, and ability to meet or exceed duties per job description and achieve performance goals.
Although the Company’s hourly wage schedules will be adjusted on an ongoing basis, Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men does not grant “cost of living” increases. Performance is the key to wage increases in the Company.
TIMEKEEPING
Accurately recording time worked is your responsibility. Time worked is the time actually spent on a job performing assigned duties.
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men does not pay for extended breaks or time spent on personal matters.
The computerized time clock is a legal instrument. Altering, falsifying, tampering with time records, or recording time on another team member’s time record will result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
Authorized personnel will review time records each week. Any changes to an employee’s time record must be approved by his supervisor. Questions regarding the timekeeping system or time cards should be directed to management.
PAYDAYS
All employees are paid every 2 weeks on Thursday by 1pm. Often checks are available Wed – usually by 8pm. Pay checks are issued 2 weeks in arears.
If a regular payday falls during your vacation, the employee’s paycheck will be available upon his return from vacation.
Paychecks will not, under any circumstances, be given to any person other than the employee without written authorization.
HOLIDAYS
Buddies Private Club for Gay & Bisexual Men does not pay time and a half for any holidays. They are considered part of a normal work day.
JURY DUTY/MILITARY LEAVE
You will be granted time off to serve on a jury or military leave without pay. However, you will be kept on the active payroll until their civic duties have been completed. A copy of the jury duty summons and all other associated paperwork are required for the personnel file.
SECTION 5
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS
STAFF MEETINGS
Staff meetings will be scheduled based on business need. These informative meetings allow employees to be informed on recent company activities, changes in the workplace and employee recognition.
FACEBOOK PRIVATE GROUP
The Buddies private group on Facebook is the primary method for staff members access to important information and announcements. You are responsible for reading necessary information posted on the Facebook group prior to the start of each shift. You are authorized to use the Buddies computers for this. If you do not usually use Facebook a member of management will assist you with setting up an account and instruct you how to receive the Buddies posts.