Brama Chocolates

Employee Handbook
2018-2019

3160 Skillman Ave. Suite 204

Oceanside, New York 11572
Telephone: 516-678-8501

Table of Contents:
Section 1: Welcome 2
1.1 - Introduction To Company
1.2 - Purpose of Handbook

Section 2: Company Overview 3-5

2.1 - Mission Statement
2.2 - Privacy
2.3 - Overview
2.4 - Company Structure
2.5 - Benefits

Section 3: Company Policies and Procedures 6-7

3.1 - Payroll
3.2 - Dress Code
3.3 - Equal Opportunity Employment
3.4 - Drugs/Alcohol Policy
3.5 - Safety
3.6 - Technology Expectations

Section 4: Attendance Policy 8

4.1 - General Attendance
4.2 - Tardiness
4.3 - Sick days
4.4 - Vacation Days

Section 5: Work Performance 9-10

5.1 - Expectations (Departments)
5.2 - Performance Evaluations
5.3 - Invaluable Work Ethic
5.4 – Calling Meetings

Section 6: Discipline Policy 11

6.1 - Grounds for Disciplinary Action
6.2 - Procedures
6.3 - Conflict Resolution

Section 1: Welcome

1.1 - Introduction To Company:

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Brama Chocolates is a small company who creates quality chocolate for quality people. We offer many different
varieties of chocolate and guarantee that you will be satisfied. Created by Oceanside VE’s Human Relations
Department, the Employee Handbook sets guidelines to establish a safe environment for current and future
employees.

1.2 - Purpose of Handbook:

This Employee Handbook was created to establish guidelines to be followed and policies set by Oceanside VE’s
Human Relations Department. The Employee Handbook will go over the utmost respect among coworkers,
department heads, and CEO’s. We at Brama Chocolates expect that all employees adhere to these guidelines and
expectations stated within this handbook to provide a safe, productive, and cooperative environment.

Section 2: Company Overview

2.1 - Mission Statement:

Luxurious, smooth, and excellent. These are what define our irresistible chocolates and what makes Brama
Chocolates special. Our renown chocolates are imported from only the very best to ensure a smooth quality taste in
every box, and in every bite. Brama Chocolates offers a variety of flavors and ways to personalize your box of
chocolate to not only appeal but to make every box of Brama Chocolate custom to you . Perfect for any occasion or
simple craving, give into the desire and treat yourself with the finest chocolate. Give into the desire, with Brama.

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2.2 - Privacy:

Every employee is entitled to complete privacy in the workplace. Everybody's privacy must be respected. Violating
this policy includes: reading somebody's emails, signing onto other peoples’ computers, going through others
workplaces/desks, tracking out of work life, and reading mail. If any of these actions are performed in the workplace,
immediate disciplinary measures will be performed.

2.3 - Overview:

Brama Chocolates is a company dedicated to providing only the best luxury chocolate to our customers. We ensure
that every piece of chocolate is up to our standard of excellence.

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2.4 -Company Structure:

CFO COO
(jillian
(Jillian Cascio)

cascio)

Human
Controller
Director of Relations
Marketing

Accounting
Associates
Marketing
Associates

2.5 - Benefits:
Benefits are perks offered to employees in addition to salary. The most common benefits we offer are:
● Medical Insurance
● Disability Insurance
● Life Insurance
● Retirement benefits

Medical Insurance:

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Brama Chocolate’s medical insurance covers the costs of physician and surgeon fees, hospital rooms, and
prescription drugs. Dental and optical care may be offered as well. Brama Chocolates will pay part of the premium
for employee medical insurance. Employees will pay for this in a monthly cost.

Disability Insurance:
Brama Chocolate’s disability insurance will replace the income that is lost when an employee is unable to perform
their job because of illness or injury.
Short term disability insurance: Begins right away or within a few weeks of an accident, illness, or another
disability.
Long term disability insurance: Provides benefits to an employee when a long term or permanent illness, injury, or
disability leaves the individual unable to perform his or her job.

Life Insurance:
Brama Chocolate’s life insurance policy protects yourself and family in case of a fatal injury or emergency. Benefits
are paid all at once to the beneficiaries of the policy.

Retirement Benefits:
Brama Chocolate’s retirement benefits are funds that are set aside for when an employee reaches the end of their
career. We provide the 401k plan. Employee and employer contributions are specified, but benefit amount is tied to
investment returns.

Section 3: Company Policies & Procedures

3.1 - Payroll:

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Salaried employees can work up to a standard of 40 hours a week without compensation of overtime. Employees will
be paid bi-monthly on the 15th and last day of the month.

3.2 - Dress Code:

All employees are expected to dress appropriately while in or around the workplace.

1. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, tank tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps,
plunging necklines (front and/or back), revealing low-rise pants, see-through garments, short skirts, (short)
shorts and exposed midriffs are not appropriate.
2. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
3. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
4. No gang graffiti on notebooks or school supplies.
5. No Do-rags, bandanas, or anything gang affiliated; No wearing of hoods.
6. No Long garments that can conceal contraband.eg. long coats, capes, etc.
7. No sharp objects that protrude from any garment.
8. Exclude items that are denigrating or demeaning to gender, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin,
sexual orientation or disability.

3.3 - Equal Opportunity Employment:

Discrimination in employment or in the provision of training and education on the grounds of any of the following
protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and
maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation is prohibited by the law and not tolerated in the
workplace. If such actions are observed strict disciplinary measures will be conducted.

3.4 - Drugs/Alcohol Policy:

Brama Chocolates believes that all employees do their best work when the workplace is free from alcohol and drugs.
Allowing employees to attempt to work while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs not only lowers the
productivity of the employee, but also increases the likelihood of serious injuries. Due to this, Brama Chocolates will
not tolerate any usage of alcohol or illegal drugs and if it is discovered that an employee is under the influence
during operating hours of Brama Chocolates, the employed will be subject to immediate termination.

3.5 - Safety:
Brama Chocolates expects a sanitary, healthy, and comfortable environment. Being an employee at Brama
Chocolates, you must be an equal part in maintaining the safe workplace environment. In the end, your workplace
should be kept clean and organized.

3.6 - Technology/Expectations:

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Brama Chocolates expects technology and work resources to be used appropriately at all times. Technology is a
powerful business tool and should only be used to assist you in your work and should not be used to distract yourself
or others. No employee will be allowed to use their cell phone unless permitted for emergencies. Emergencies could
be considered as sudden injuries, family emergencies, or transportation issues.

Section 4: Attendance Policy

4.1- General Attendance:

Each employee is expected to arrive to the workplace on time and prepared.

4.2- Tardiness:
Tardiness is seen as a lack of commitment and interest towards our company and our customers. This impairs Brama
Chocolate’s ability to succeed. An employee is considered as late after arriving 5 or more minutes late to the
workplace.
● 3 tardies per month = 1 strike
● 3 strikes = talk with CFO/COO
● 6 strikes = school disciplinary action

4.3- Sick Days:

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Employees will be compensated for 3 paid sick days. After your third sick day, you will no longer be compensated.
You will only be compensated for these days if you call in or email a direct supervisor and HR. Call in as soon as
possible or between 10:15AM-10:50AM.

4.4- Vacation Days:

Employees will be compensated for any days the office is closed due to holidays.
Some holidays may include:
● Rosh Hashanah
● Columbus Day
● Election Day
● Thanksgiving
● Christmas
● Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
● Spring break
● Winter Break
● Memorial Day
● Yom Kippur
● Veterans Day
● New Years Day
● Labor Day

Section 5: Work Performance

5.1 - Expectations/Departments:
Our employees are trained to provide great quality service that exceeds customers’ expectations. As an employee you
are expected to be responsible, courteous, and organized. Be aware that some customers may not always be satisfied
and may be difficult, approach them calmly and listen to their specific needs.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO):

The Chief Financial Officer, CFO, is liable for administrative, financials of the company, to help the development of
financial strategies. Works hand in hand with accounting and the financial part of marketing. The CFO is a key
member to our administrative team.

Chief Operations Officer (COO):

The Chief Operations Officer, COO, is responsible for the efficiency of business. The COO is a key member of our
administrative team. Works hand in hand with HR and marketing.

Human Resources Associate:

Human Resources associates are responsible for tracking attendance, benefits, training, and employee relations. They
are also liable for managing meetings, directing and regulating departmental functions of the company.

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Director of Marketing:
The Director of Marketing oversees all associates in their department and assigns tasks. They also take on difficult
tasks and make executive decisions for the company and advertisements. The Director of Marketing is a member of
our administrative team.

Marketing Associate:
Marketing associates are responsible for establishing marketing campaigns to promote a service, product and/or idea.
They are also responsible for creating visual approaches that inform and captivate the customers.

Controller:
The Controller oversees all associates in their department and assigns tasks. They take on difficult tasks and make
executive decisions for the company and their financial health. The Controller is a member of our administrative
team.

Accounting Associate:
Accounting associates are liable for the financial aspects of the company. These associates are responsible for the
financial health of our organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop
strategies and plans for long term goals.

5.2 - Performance Evaluations:

Once a month, performance evaluations will be conducted as your productivity will be watched and recorded. The
administrative team will be recording your evaluations. The CFO/COO will be responsible for evaluating the
Controller and the Director of Marketing. The CFO/COO will receive a performance evaluation as well. (See
Apendix)

5.3 - Invaluable Work Ethic:

Expected work ethic includes holding a professional and neat work environment as well as a positive attitude every
day. Wasting time and company money is not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.

5.4 – Calling Meetings:

The CFO and COO will inform HR if there is to be a meeting in the foreseeable future, normally within the week.
The procedure of calling a meeting will be conducted as expressed in the meeting agenda. (See Apendix)

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Section 6: Discipline Policy

6.1 - Grounds for Disciplinary Action:

Employees at Brama Chocolate are required to follow all company policies and employment terms. Those who do
not follow the rules are subject to disciplinary action. These include, but are not limited to:
● Unproductivity
● Use of company resources for personal usage without permission
● Insubordination
● Dishonesty towards the company, coworkers, and other companies
● Failure to abide by health and safety policies
● Violating a coworkers privacy technologically or physically
● Failure to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and conduct required by the company
● Failure to abide by the companies dress code
● Unauthorized technology usage

6.2 - Procedures:
There are procedures set in place for any employee who decides to violate a company policy. Some disciplinary
measures are more extreme than others based on said action.
As referred to in Section 4; strikes may be handed out due to lateness or violating attendance policies. A strike will
be recorded and logged. The number of strikes you receive will depend on the action you have performed and how
serious it is. After receiving 6 strikes, you will be subject to school disciplinary action. School disciplinary action
may include referrals, detention, and suspension.

6.3 - Termination:
Brama Chocolates has the right to terminate an employee’s occupation at any time without notice. If an employee
resigns or is terminated, he/she will be escorted off of the property and will receive their last check in the mail.

6.4 – Conflict Resolution:

When two employees in the workplace do not get along, or cause a conflict, measures will be taken based on how
serious the conflict is. Conflict resolution involves HR talking to both sides of the conflict and coming up with a
reasonable compromise.

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Appendix:

1: Letter of Reprimand:

2: Letter of Dismissal

3: Letter of Appreciation

4. Meeting Attendance and Agenda

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Brama Chocolates
“Give into the
desire”
3160 Skillman Avenue Oceanside, NY 11572 | (516)-678-1200 | bramachocolates@gmail.com

To:
From:
Date:
Re: Letter of Reprimand

This formal reprimand letter is written to inform you that it has come to our attention that you have violated the
employee policies. This act has been noticed by several employees and been caught on cameras.

By continuing to violate employee policies, you put yourself in a situation where you may be terminated. You have
received many verbal warnings and this is a strict notice of your behavior.

You have a right to discuss this in a meeting if you feel that facts are considerably different than what is stated above.

Please take this strict notice seriously as it is a priority for us to see our employees succeed. A copy of this reprimand
will be placed in your official personal file.

Regretfully,

Brama Chocolates
“Give into the
desire”
3160 Skillman Avenue Oceanside, NY 11572 | (516)-678-1200 | bramachocolates@gmail.com

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To:
From:
Date:
Re: Letter of Dismissal

We are deeply saddened to inform you that your term of employment at Brama Chocolates has come to an immediate
end. Due to your violation of our employee policies and the ignoring of our various warnings, we have no choice but
to end your employment with us.

Your last check will be received by mail on our payroll dates.

Regretfully,

Brama Chocolates
“Give into the
desire”
3160 Skillman Avenue Oceanside, NY 11572 | (516)-678-1200 | bramachocolates@gmail.com

To:
From:

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Date:
Re: Letter of Appreciation

Due to your outstanding leadership qualities and abilities to abide by our rules and inflict them on others, you have
been selected to receive a bonus of 150$ to your bank account.

We are extremely thankful and proud to announce this and hope that you continue to express your positivity and
helpful attitude in the workplace.

Without your help it was not possible for us to deliver such high quality work in a limited amount of time. Our whole
team would like to thank you for being such a wonderful mentor!

Best regards,

Brama Chocolates
“Give into the
desire”
3160 Skillman Avenue Oceanside, NY 11572 | (516)-678-1200 | bramachocolates@gmail.com

Meeting Attendance:

Student Signature

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 Amir, Joseph
Brooks, Justin
Carlins, Makayla
Cascio, Jillian
Dimincio, Melanie
Downing, Ryan
Fiumara, Nicholas
Forbes, Jack
Jerchower, Maia
O’Sullivan, Connor
Puelo, Taylor
Statler, Robert

Meeting Agenda:

Department(s): Time:

1: HR will spread the word that a meeting will be conducted

2: At the set time, the departments included will gather in one specified location

3: Start to discuss and write down useful and necessary information

4: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5: ___________________________________________________________________________

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 ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Head of department(s) signature:

x_________________________________________

x_________________________________________

x_________________________________________

Meeting Overview:

Main Point(s):

Key Point(s):

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Notes:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Non-Disclosure Agreement

The owner and all company employees will protect any confidential material from any other
business. By signing you agree to follow all guidelines and policies presently set forth to the fullest
ability. It should be understood that possible termination of employment may follow if the
agreement is fragmented.

Signature:____________________________

Date:_________________

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