Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WELCOME ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
SERVICE STANDARDS ..................................................................................................................................... 5
STATEMENT OF PALMS’ HOSPITALITY ........................................................................................................... 5
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY................................................................................................................... 5
THE GROUND RULES ..................................................................................................................................... 6
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ........................................................................................................... 6
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT ...................................................................................................................... 6
Confidentiality ........................................................................................................................................... 7
WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 8
NON-INTERFERENCE POLICY ......................................................................................................................... 9
DEVELOPMENT PERIOD ................................................................................................................................. 9
TRANSFERS .................................................................................................................................................. 10
WORKFORCE PLANNING.............................................................................................................................. 10
BALANCING YOUR WORK-LIFE..................................................................................................................... 10
Vacation .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Holidays................................................................................................................................................... 11
Religious Holidays ................................................................................................................................... 12
Jury Duty ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Voting ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Subpoena/Witness Duty ......................................................................................................................... 13
BENEFITS ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Health Plans ............................................................................................................................................ 13
401(k) Savings Plan ................................................................................................................................. 14
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ...................................................................................................... 14
Tuition Assistance ................................................................................................................................... 15
Team Member Parking............................................................................................................................ 15
Team Member Meals and Refresh Periods............................................................................................. 15
Workers’ Compensation ......................................................................................................................... 16
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)................................................................... 16
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND WORK-RELATED INJURIES .................................................................................. 16
• Sincere and Friendly Greeting – Welcoming body language and good posture, make eye contact,
smile, and acknowledge the guest.
• Make Our Guests Feel Special – Use the guest’s name, escort them to their destination, listen and
repeat so you get it right!
• Heartfelt Farewell – Thank the guest and invite them back.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Palms’ culture is centered around community support, philanthropy and environmental sustainability,
following the rich culture of giving and stewardship created by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality
Authority. Team Members will all have an opportunity to participate in volunteerism, give back to the
community in a variety of ways, and support fellow Team Members in need. We’ll do all of this through our
Palms Cares program and in partnership with community organizations and nonprofits.
If you are aware of any violations of the Palms’ Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying policy, the conduct should
be reported, in a manner that you are comfortable (either in writing or verbally) immediately to any of the
following options with which you feel comfortable:
● Your immediate supervisor, or
● Your Department Manager, or
A Team Member making a complaint or report of harassment or discrimination will be asked to submit a
written statement that provides details about the situation. Promptly after receiving a complaint, the
Company will investigate and take all steps necessary to prevent harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
The Company or its representative will promptly investigate all complaints and the Company will impose
appropriate corrective action where it determines that a violation of the Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying
policy is substantiated.
All complaints shall be kept confidential, to the fullest extent possible, to permit the Company to conduct
a thorough investigation. Witnesses to discrimination or harassment and victims of discrimination or
harassment shall not be retaliated against in any way for making a good faith complaint or for cooperating
in an investigation. Team Members who interfere with or obstruct any investigation will be subject to
progressive counseling, up to and including separation.
NON-INTERFERENCE POLICY
The Company has the honor and privilege of holding the first gaming license ever granted to a tribal owned
and operated casino in Nevada. As part of this historic and unique situation, extra steps have been taken
to ensure that the oversight and management of the Palms lies exclusively with the SMGHA Board and
Management Committee. This means that decisions about operations and management of Palms must be
made independently. The Company has created a Non-Interference Policy to set forth the minimum
standards and practices for ensuring the independent oversight and management of the Palms. By adhering
to this policy, you will protect yourself, your staff, SMGHA, and the integrity of operations at the Palms as
we make history as the first tribal owned and operated commercial casino in Nevada. Please refer to the
full Non-Interference Policy for further details.
DEVELOPMENT PERIOD
New Full-time Team Members are provided a ninety (90) calendar day Development Period and Part-time
and On-call Team Members are provided one-eighty (180) calendar day Development Period, starting with
their first day of employment. During this period, both you and Palms have time to decide if the
employment relationship is in the mutual interest of both parties. Palms may extend the duration of the
Development Period at its sole and absolute discretion. Successful completion of the Development Period
does not change the “at-will” status of Team Members. The employment relationship can be terminated
by the Team Member or Palms at any time during or after the Development Period, with or without cause,
with or without notice.
When a Team Member cannot satisfactorily perform the work of the job to which he/she transferred or if
they decide the new position is not suited for them, they may be transferred back within 30 days of the
transfer if their position or similar position is available and it is agreed upon by both managers and Human
Resources. If the Team Member transfers back to their prior position, their classification date will change
to reflect this new date of transfer. Seasonal and temporary Team Members are not eligible for this transfer
policy but are encouraged to look for available opportunities.
WORKFORCE PLANNING
Palms has created a centralized Workforce Planning department, so that managers can focus on coaching,
development and our guests, and so that Team Members have one centralized point of contact for
scheduling and attendance. If you are not available to work a scheduled shift, you should contact Workforce
Planning at 866-942-7770. Hours of operation will be 6am – 9pm, 7 days a week. Outside hours of
operations, please contact your Manager if you are late or need to be absent.
Vacation
Full-time hourly Team Members are entitled to paid vacation according to the following schedule:
Years of Continuous Service upon Anniversary Date Vacation Allowance
1 year of service 1 week
2 - 5 years of service 2 weeks
6 + years of service 3 weeks
12 + years of service 4 weeks
Part-time Team Members who have twelve (12) months of continuous Company service are entitled to
paid vacations based on hours worked, at a rate of .01923 hours of vacation time per hour worked.
Team Members under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) should refer to the agreement for
information regarding eligibility for this benefit or contact a union representative.
Vacation time must be pre-approved by Workforce Planning. The number of Team Members from each
department who will be scheduled for time off during any period will depend upon the business needs of
the department.
Holidays
Regular full-time and part-time hourly (non-exempt) Team Members may be eligible for holiday pay and/or
time off. To be eligible for holiday pay, you must have completed ninety (90) days of continuous
employment with the Company and work your scheduled day before and scheduled day after the holiday.
The Company recognizes the following holidays:
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
In addition, the Company offers three additional “floating” holidays for eligible full-time, non-exempt Team
Members.
To be eligible for holiday pay, you must have completed ninety (90) days of continuous employment with
the Company and work your scheduled day before and scheduled day after the holiday.
Eligible full-time non-exempt Team Members who are off on a designated holiday will receive 8 hours pay
at their regular hourly wage rate as holiday pay.
Eligible full-time non-exempt Team Members who work on a designated holiday will receive holiday pay,
as described above, plus pay at their regular rate for hours actually worked.
Eligible part-time non-exempt Team Members who work on a designated holiday will receive holiday pay
depending upon the hours worked on the holiday, at their regular hourly wage rate, plus pay at their regular
rate for hours actually worked.
Religious Holidays
To reasonably accommodate the religious needs of Team Members, Palms makes every effort to
accommodate time off for religious observances that are not scheduled paid holidays.
Team Members must give reasonable advance notice to and obtain prior approval from Workforce Planning
when requesting time off. Reasonable notice is considered a minimum of ten (10) calendar days. At the
Team Member’s option, unused paid time off, if available, can be used for religious holiday observance. In
the absence of earned paid time off, these holidays can be observed as time off without pay.
Jury Duty
Palms supports the obligation of all U.S. citizens to serve on a jury when summoned to do so. All Team
Members are allowed time off to perform such civic service as required by law. Team Members must notify
Workforce Planning as soon as a jury duty notice is received.
If you are a full-time Team Member with at least one (1) year of employment and are summoned to jury
duty, the Company will pay the difference between your regular salary (not including tips) and the amount
you receive from the court (excluding any transportation allowance you may receive) for a maximum of
two (2) weeks per jury duty notice. If you do not qualify, all time off for jury duty will be unpaid.
If the required absence presents a serious conflict for management, Team Members may be asked to try
to postpone jury duty. Team Members must report to work for the major portion of the day if excused by
the court unless such a requirement is restricted by Nevada law. Team Members also must provide
verification of service.
Any pay provided for time spent on jury duty leave is not counted as hours worked for purposes of
calculating overtime.
You may keep any mileage allowance or other fees paid by the court for jury services.
Voting
If you are a registered voter and it is impracticable for you to vote before or after your hours of work, you
may take off sufficient time to vote. A sufficient time to vote shall be determined as follows:
• If the distance between the place of your employment and the polling place where you vote is 2
miles or less, 1 hour.
• If the distance is more than 2 miles but not more than 10 miles, 2 hours.
• If the distance is more than 10 miles, 3 hours.
Subpoena/Witness Duty
Team Members are paid their normal wage or salary if required by a subpoena to appear in court on behalf
of Palms. Team Members will not be paid for their time off if summoned to appear in court because of a
subpoena on matters not pertaining to Palms business or on matters in which they’re personally involved
in the legal action. You can request to use available accrued paid vacation or Personal Leave Time.
Team Members subpoenaed for witness duty must notify Workforce Planning as soon as possible.
BENEFITS
Our Benefits Plans are provided to support you and your family to help you build a healthy, rewarding and
a financially secure life.
Health Plans
Palms offers the following benefits to eligible Team Members
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Medical Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Voluntary Benefits
Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including CBA coverage and Team Member
classification. You will be informed of the programs for which you are eligible. If you lose eligibility for
certain health and insurance benefits (i.e., reduced hours, employment status change, separation), you
have the right to continue some or all those benefits at the full premium rate. In this case, you will receive
formal notification of your coverage continuation rights when you first become eligible, and when you
experience a qualifying event that causes you to lose eligibility.
Some benefit programs require contributions from the Team Member. All benefits provided are pursuant
to and governed by the applicable plan document. Palms reserves the right to modify or discontinue any of
its Team Member benefits or plans on a prospective basis at any time.
• Initial Enrollment – This is the first day you become benefits eligible (i.e., hire date, status change
date). You have thirty (30) days from the date you become benefits eligible to enroll in health and
insurance benefits.
• Annual Open Enrollment – This is when you can make any changes to your health and/or insurance
enrollments. In general, changes made during this period are effective January 1.
Palms recognizes your need to take time to refresh throughout the workday. Departments schedule paid
refresh periods around operational needs. Generally, refresh periods are no more than ten (10) minutes
for each four (4) hours worked or major fraction thereof when employed for at least 3 ½ hours and occur
as closely as possible to the middle of each four (4) hour segment. If you require specific refresh periods,
please discuss with your manager.
Palms recognizes that guests will regularly provide tips and gratuities for exceptional guest service. Team
Members may not solicit or pressure any guest to leave a tip or gratuity. Members of management are not
allowed to accept tips or gratuities from guests.
If you are presented with a situation or circumstances where you are unsure as to whether it is acceptable,
a customary business practice, and/or exceeds the monetary limits listed below, please contact your
manager or Human Resources.
Gifts and entertainment given to or received from persons who have a business relationship with the
Company are generally acceptable, if the gift or entertainment is modest in value, appropriate to the
business relationship, and does not create an appearance of impropriety. However, even nominal gifts
should not be accepted if the potential for a conflict of interest or personal obligation exists. Additionally,
Team Members should avoid a pattern of accepting frequent gifts from the same source. No cash or cash
equivalent payments should be given or received. In addition, gifts must not be given to or received from
public officials. Team Members who do not comply with these requirements may be required to reimburse
the Company for the value of any gifts or benefits they make or receive on behalf of the Company. Giving
or receiving any payment or gift in the nature of a bribe or kickback is absolutely prohibited. Refer to the
Company's Anti-Bribery Policy for further details.
Meals and accommodations may only be accepted if they are reasonable in cost and consistent with
customary business practices. As a recommended practice, you should always inform your manager when
presented with these opportunities.
TIP COMPLIANCE
The Company participates in the IRS’s Gaming Industry Tip Compliance Program (GITCA). Your position may
or may not earn tip income; however, if it does, you are required by law to report tips as your earnings.
Under GITCA, the IRS establishes an average tip rate for each tipped position. Participating employees are
relieved of the burden of manually counting their tips and reporting that income on their tax returns. Tip
rates and copies of the Tip Compliance Agreement may be requested by contacting the Human Resources.
If you opt-out of tip compliance, you are required to report your tip earnings to the Company on a bi-weekly
basis.
PAY STATUS
Exempt Team Members are paid a salary and typically serve in an executive, professional, or administrative
capacity. Their specific duties and responsibilities permit them to be “exempt” from overtime pay
provisions as provided by applicable state and federal law. If you are an exempt Team Member, you will be
advised of this classification at the time you are hired or transferred.
Non-exempt Team Members are paid hourly and are generally eligible for overtime pay if they work in
excess of forty (40) hours per workweek pursuant to applicable law. You should direct any questions
regarding overtime eligibility and pay to your manager or Human Resources.
TIMEKEEPING
All non-exempt Team Members are subject to timekeeping requirements and should clock-in and clock-out
at designated time clocks.
The following rules apply:
• You are strictly forbidden to clock-in for another Team Member.
• If you fail to clock-in or clock-out incorrectly or you record time incorrectly, you must see your
manager immediately to correct the error. Corrections to time records must be made and
approved by management.
OVERTIME
You may be asked to work beyond your normally scheduled hours. When overtime is required, your
manager will attempt to provide as much notice as possible.
Non-exempt Team Members who work overtime will receive overtime pay in accordance with applicable
law and Palms compensation policies. All overtime must be approved in advance by your manager. While
you will be paid for all overtime hours worked, working overtime without your Manager’s approval may
result in progressive counseling, up to and including separation.
Team Members who qualify for exemption under applicable law, do not receive overtime pay and are not
subject to this policy.
IMPORTANT MEETINGS
From time to time, Palms or your manager may schedule important meetings which you are required to
attend. To keep you informed of business objectives and results, Palms holds regular meetings. You are
expected to attend these meetings as they’re designed to accommodate various schedules. If a meeting is
scheduled outside of your regular work hours and you are a non-exempt Team Member (i.e., entitled to
overtime pay), you are paid for the time spent at the meeting, including any resulting overtime, if
applicable.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Maintaining a professional, clean, and well-groomed appearance is important to our brand and the guest
experience at Palms. You must always dress professionally and practice good grooming and personal
hygiene.
Departments may have specific guidelines that address appearance, safety, health and security
considerations. You are responsible to understand the guidelines for your position and must always adhere
to them. Team Members dressed inappropriately will be sent home and instructed to return to work
properly dressed and groomed. If you are sent home, you will not be paid for the time away from work.
Palms respects the religious beliefs and practices of all Team Members and will not tolerate or condone
discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on religious beliefs and practice, whether engaged in by
Team Members or non-Team Members who conduct business with Palms. Palms encourages reporting of
all incidents of religious discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, and will promptly investigate complaints
and take appropriate corrective action where warranted.
COMPANY PROPERTY
All Palms equipment and property, including computers, tablets, mobile devices, telephones, radios, credit
cards, copiers, postage meter, etc., should be used for business purposes only. You should not have any
expectation of privacy in the use of Palms equipment and property.
When using Palms property, you are expected to act responsibly, exercise care, immediately notify the
proper contact person if maintenance is required, and follow all operating instructions, safety standards,
and guidelines. If equipment appears to be damaged, defective, or in need of repair, notify the proper
contact person as soon as possible. Prompt reporting can prevent deterioration of equipment and possible
injury to you or to others.
We take internal theft very seriously and do not tolerate property theft of any type. Losses from theft,
regardless of how big or small, affect the profitability of Palms operations and can ultimately affect you.
You are required to report any instances of theft of any Palms property, cash, merchandise, discount or
free play cards, vouchers, gifts, food, etc., to your manager immediately.
TECHNOLOGY
Team Members may not duplicate any licenses, software or related documentation for use either on Palms’
premises or elsewhere unless Palms is expressly authorized to do so by agreement with the licenser.
Unauthorized duplication of software may subject users and/or Palms to both civil and criminal penalties
under the United States Copyright Act. Team Members may not give software to any outsiders including
contractors, customers or others. Team Members may use software on local area networks or on multiple
machines only in accordance with applicable license agreements. Team Members may not download
software from the internet and install it on their computers.
Any personal use of Palms’ communication and computer systems must not interfere with performance or
operations and must not violate any Palms policy or applicable law. In addition, Palms encourages all Team
Members to keep email and voice messages businesslike and refrain from gossip and personal messages.
Palms’ policies including, but not limited to, those prohibiting harassment, in their entirety, apply to the
use of Palms’ communication and computer systems. Additionally, Team Members may not use Palms’
communication and computer systems in violation of any law including, but not limited to, those related to
copyrights and software piracy. Some examples of prohibited use include but are not limited to:
• Storing discriminatory, sexual or offensive messages, comments, indignities, obscenities, jokes, or
graphics.
• Offensive images relating to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age,
handicap, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under federal laws.
• Making threatening or harassing statements to another Team Member, or to a vendor, customer,
or other outside party.
• Sending or receiving confidential or copyrighted materials without prior authorization.
• Soliciting personal business opportunities, or personal advertising.
• Gambling, monitoring sports scores, or playing electronic games.
If you receive an email containing any material mentioned above, report it to your manager.
To safeguard and protect the proprietary, confidential and business-sensitive information of Palms and to
ensure the use of all information, including, but not limited to, all software and equipment, is consistent
with Palms legitimate business interests, authorized representatives of Palms may monitor the use of such
systems, messages, files on the systems, list servers and equipment. Also, if Palms is required to produce
documentation or other material in response to a subpoena or other legal request, Palms reserves the right
to access and retrieve such information.
Palms provides access to internet exclusively for business purposes. The same obligations, limitations and
requirements that apply to the use of email and other computer-based capabilities apply to the use of the
Team Members who drive on business must follow all applicable state or local laws prohibiting or limiting
cell phone use while driving. Further, even if usage is needed, you should still refrain from using any cell
phone while driving. “Use” includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person or sending
an email or text message.
Regardless of the circumstances, including slow or stopped traffic, if any use is needed while driving,
proceed to a safe location off the road and safely stop the vehicle before placing or accepting a call. If
answering a call is absolutely necessary while driving, and permitted by law, use a hands-free option and
tell the caller you cannot talk right now and will return the call as soon as you can. Under no circumstances
should you feel you need to place yourself at risk to fulfill business needs.
Palms does not require any Team Member to use a cell phone while driving. Team Members charged with
traffic violations because of cell phone while driving are solely responsible for all liabilities that result from
such actions. Texting and emailing while driving is prohibited in all circumstances.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Palms understands that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with
family, friends, and Team Members. However, social media also presents certain risks and carries with it
certain responsibilities. To help you make responsible decisions regarding social media use, follow the
guidelines below:
• All rules regarding confidential and proprietary business information apply to your participation in
social media programs. The use of the Company’s or a customer’s trade secret information or
proprietary information in any form while participating in social media activities is strictly
prohibited.
• Do not post internal reports, policies, procedures, or any other internal business-related
documents.
• Do not post a photograph of a supervisor, manager, co-worker, vendor, supplier, or customer
without their express permission.
• Express your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for the Company.
• If you post information related to the work you do or subjects associated with this Company, you
should indicate that your views are your own and do not reflect the views of the Company.
• Team members are prohibited from using Company trademarks or logos in a manner that would
mislead or confuse the public or guests regarding product quality, intentionally damage the
Company’s goodwill associated with such trademarks or logos, or unlawfully interfere with the
Company’s ability to effectively use trademarks or logos in its business operations.
Social media tools are a powerful form of communication that can have a significant impact on
organizational, professional, and individual reputations. To review the complete social media policy, please
visit Workday or HR.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING
Palms recognizes that problem gambling can have a detrimental effect on the lives of our Guests, Team
Members and ultimately our community. We are a responsible corporate citizen that provides tools and
resources to our Team Members and Guests to prevent and treat problem gambling. If you need assistance
or help, you may contact our EAP, Harmony Healthcare at (702) 251-8000, (800) 363-4874 or visit their
website for online tools, articles, resources and more at www.harmonyhc.com.
If you have additional questions or concerns about Responsible Gaming, please talk to your manager or
visit Human Resources.
Team Members will be trained as necessary based on position responsibilities regarding acceptable forms
of identification, possession and/or service of alcoholic beverages, loitering/presence in a bar or cocktail
lounge, alcoholic beverage ordered through room service, appropriate course of action once a minor is
identified, and appropriate course of action should a guest refuse to cooperate.
Team Members who sell or serve alcohol to a minor(s) in violation of Company policies or procedures will
be subject to progressive counseling, up to and including termination, potential loss of gaming and/or liquor
license and/or work permit, and potential civil and criminal penalties. Any Team Member who serves
alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person in violation of Company policies will be subject to progressive
counseling, up to and including termination; and potential loss of gaming and/or liquor license and/or work
permit.
Meals and accommodations may only be accepted if they are reasonable in cost and consistent with
customary business practices. As a recommended practice, you should always inform your manager when
presented with these opportunities.
SOLICITATION/DISTRIBUTION
To avoid distractions, solicitation by a Team Member of another Team Member is prohibited while either
the person doing the soliciting, or the person being solicited is on working time.
Distribution of advertising material, handbills, printed or written literature of any kind during working time
or in working areas of the Company is prohibited. Working areas include gaming areas, dining areas, and
adjacent aisles and corridor frequented by customers, but do not include the Team Member dining room,
Team member break areas, Team Member restrooms and Team Member parking areas.
Working time includes the time during which any of the Team Members involved are actually scheduled to
work, but does not include scheduled rest periods, meal breaks and other specified times when Team
Members are not expected to be working.
Team Members are also prohibited from engaging in solicitation and distribution to customers or working
Team Members at any time in customer service or sales areas during the time when customers are provided
services or sales are occurring.
• Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting
the individual; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a Team Member’s work
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
If you are aware of conduct that violates this policy, Palms expects you to report the incident immediately
— without fear of retaliation — to your manager, Human Resources, or to the Incident Reporting Hotline.
Refer to the Whistleblower Policy in this handbook for further details. Be prepared to provide details
including names, witnesses, and the incident date, time and location. Reporting the incident right away
allows us to investigate and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Palms will not retaliate against you for
reporting, in good faith, about conduct that violates this policy.
All complaints are investigated in a thorough and objective manner. Confidentiality will be maintained to
the extent practical and permitted by law. Investigations will be conducted as confidentially as possible
and related information will only be shared with others on a need-to-know basis. The investigation will be
completed, and a determination made and communicated to the Team Member as soon as practical. The
Company expects all Team Members to fully cooperate with any investigation conducted by the Company
into a complaint of proscribed harassment, discrimination or retaliation, or regarding the alleged violation
of any other Company policies, and during the investigation, to keep matters related to the investigation
confidential. If an investigation confirms a violation of this policy or the Palms’ Equal Employment
Opportunity policy has taken place, Palms will take immediate, appropriate corrective action, up to and
including immediate separation. If a complaint cannot be substantiated, Palms may take appropriate action
to reinforce its commitment to providing a work environment free from harassment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") and equivalent state agencies may accept and
investigate charges of unlawful discrimination and harassment at no charge to the complaining party. The
nearest office of the EEOC and equivalent state agencies can be found in your local telephone directory or
online at www.eeoc.gov.
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS
Business expense reimbursement, including travel, must be approved in advance by your manager. If you
have questions about what expenses are reimbursed, you must ask your manager before making the
purchase.
Examples of such expenses include:
• Meals
• Lodging and transportation costs associated with business trips
• Automobile expenses
• Incidental purchases of supplies, tools and equipment undertaken at Palms request
If you are asked to do company business using your personal vehicle, you are reimbursed at the current
federal mileage rate. Contact Accounting Shared Services for the current rate.
You must submit completed expense reports to your manager within thirty (30) days of incurring the
expense, together with a per diem report and the receipts for any expenses that are not per diem expenses.
Exempt Team Members will be paid their regular salary for any weeks in which they travel. Nonexempt
Team Members will be paid for travel time in accordance with Palms policy and with federal and state wage
and hour laws.
Abuse of this business travel expense policy, including falsifying expense reports to reflect costs not
incurred by the Team Member, may result in progressive counseling, up to and including termination of
employment.
Contact your manager for more information.
PROGRESSIVE COUNSELING
We operate with positive behavior and a sense of unity of purpose; with our team working together to
achieve our goals. We also understand that, while we are an at-will employer, there are times when issues
at the workplace are most effectively addressed and improved by issuing corrective counseling to modify
behavior. Where appropriate we utilize progressive counseling to ensure that Team Members are treated
fairly, to encourage communication, to make sure expectations are clear, and in an effort to resolve
problems as early as possible.
• Verbal Counseling and Coaching – Verbal counseling and coaching are appropriate for offenses that
are considered minor. Verbal warnings need not be issued in writing to the Team Member, but the
conversation should be documented.
• Written Notice – Written counseling notices are issued to Team Members for moderate violations
or for repeat or continued violations of Company and department standards and/or policies and
procedures.
• Final Written Notice – Final written counseling notices are issued for serious violations or for repeat
or continued violations of Company and department standards and/or policies and procedures.
• Decision Days/Suspension Pending Investigation – During the progressive counseling process, a
Team Member may be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation of the alleged offense.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, decision days/suspension pending investigation may be
resolved without counseling, be converted into a suspension or lesser level of counseling, or it may
result in a termination from employment.
Nothing in this Progressive Counseling Policy changes or limits the at-will relationship. This means that
either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, for any reason, with or without
cause or notice.
FRATERNIZATION
Palms strongly believes in a work environment where Team Members maintain clear boundaries between
personal and business interactions. This promotes a more effective way of conducting business and
enhancing productivity. Palms also desires to avoid misunderstandings, actual or potential conflicts of
interest, complaints of favoritism, possible complaints of sexual harassment and the Team Member morale
problems that can potentially result from romantic or intimate relationships involving managerial and
supervisory team members in the Company or certain other Team Members in the Company.
You are expected to conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner without interfering with
others, including guests, or with overall productivity. Do not engage in any inappropriate contact with
guests or other Team Members while on Palms property.
It is strictly prohibited for anyone in a management role to be in a romantic or intimate relationship with a
Team Member who is a subordinate. If you are in this situation or become aware of a situation, immediately
contact Human Resources. Failure to cooperate with Palms to resolve potential conflicts caused by a
romantic or intimate relationship may impact your overall work performance and/or your employment.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Unless your position is covered by a CBA providing otherwise, your employment with the Company is “at-
will,” meaning, that neither you or the Company are obligated to continue your employment relationship
and it is not set for a specific amount of time. You can quit or be transferred, reassigned, suspended,
demoted, or terminated at any time, with or without reason, cause or notice. This “at-will” relationship
stays in effect for the duration of your employment. Nothing in this Handbook or any oral statement shall
limit the right to terminate at-will. This at-will employment policy is the sole and entire agreement between
the Team Member and Palms regarding the fact that employment with Palms is at-will. No manager has
any authority to enter into a contract of employment express or implied that changes the fact that
employment with Palms is at-will. Only the General Manager of Palms or a member of the Board of the
Company or that person’s authorized representative has the authority to enter into an employment
agreement that alters the fact that employment with Palms is at-will, and any such agreement must be in
writing signed by the General Manager of Palms or a member of the Company or an authorized
representative.
OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
Palms discourages you from accepting outside employment preventing you from devoting full attention to
your job with Palms. However, you are permitted to work a second job if it does not interfere with your job
performance or pose a conflict of interest at Palms.
If you have a second job, you are expected to work your assigned schedules at Palms. A second job will not
be considered an excuse for poor job performance, absenteeism, tardiness, leaving early, refusal to travel,
or refusal to work overtime or different hours. Palms is under no obligation to schedule around your
secondary employment. If outside work activity causes or contributes to job-related problems, it must be
discontinued.
While employed by Palms, never work for a competitor of Palms or work on your own if it competes in any
way with the products or services or entertainment we provide to our customers. You may not use Palms
facilities, staff, computer, telephones or equipment or resources in performing work for another employer.
Inform Human Resources of all outside business or work activities you participate in. Palms workers’
compensation insurance will not pay for illness or injury arising from any outside employment or outside
business activity.
Eligible Team Members are those who have been employed by the Company for at least 12 months (not
necessarily consecutive), have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months immediately prior to the
requested leave of absence and are employed at a worksite where there are 50 or more Team Members
of the Company within 75 miles.
Team Member Request for and Notice of Leave
Team Members must provide sufficient information so the Company can determine whether the request
for time off qualifies as family and medical leave, as well as the timing and duration of the leave. When the
need for family and medical leave is foreseeable, such as due to a planned medical procedure, a Team
A family and medical leave may be taken by an eligible Team Member for the following reasons:
The birth of a Team Member’s son or daughter or the placement of a son or daughter with the Team
Member for foster care or adoption, so long as the leave is completed within 12 months of the birth or
placement of the son or daughter.
To care for the Team Member’s spouse, son, daughter or parent with a “serious health condition.”
Due to the “serious health condition” of the Team Member that renders the Team Member unable to work
or in need of medical treatment.
Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the Team Member’s spouse, son, daughter
or parent is on covered active duty or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active
duty in the Armed Forces of the United States.
To care for a covered service member (who is the Team Member’s spouse, son, daughter, parent or next
of kin) with a serious illness or injury (“military caregiver leave”).
Definitions
A “serious health condition” includes an illness, injury, impairment or physical or mental condition that
involves either an overnight stay in a medical care facility, or continuing treatment by a health care provider
for a condition that either prevents the Team Member from performing the functions of the Team
Member’s job or prevents qualified family members from participating in school or other daily activities.
Subject to certain conditions, the continuing treatment requirement may be met by a period of incapacity
of more than 3 consecutive calendar days combined with at least two visits to a health care provider or one
visit and a regimen of continuing treatment, or incapacity due to pregnancy, or incapacity due to chronic
condition. Other conditions may meet the definition of continuing treatment.
A “covered service member” means (A) a current member of the Armed Forces (including National Guard
or Reserves) of the United States who is the Team Member’s spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin,
and is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is
otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness, or (B) a Veteran who is
undergoing. medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, for a serious injury or illness and who was a
member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves) of the United States
at any time during the period of 5 years preceding the date on which the Veteran undergoes that medical
treatment, recuperation or therapy.
A “serious injury or illness” means in the case of a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of
the National Guard or Reserves) of the United States, an injury or illness incurred by the member in the line
of duty while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces (or that existed before the beginning of the
service member’s active duty and was aggravated by service in the line of duty on active duty in the Armed
Forces) and that may render the service member medically unfit to perform the duties of the service
member’s office, grade, rank or rating. In the case of a veteran who was a member of the Armed Forces
(including a member of the National Guard or Reserves) of the United States at any time during the 5 year
period preceding the date on which the veteran undergoes medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, a
serious injury or illness means a qualifying (as defined by the Secretary of Labor) injury or illness that was
incurred by the service member in the line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces (or that existed
before the beginning of the service member’s active duty and was aggravated by service in line of duty on
active duty in the Armed Forces) and that manifested itself before or after the service member became a
veteran.
A “qualifying exigency” is provided to an eligible Team Member when the Team Member’s spouse, parent,
son or daughter is on covered active duty or on call to covered active duty status, resulting in the need for
the Team Member to take time off work to address issues related to short notice deployment, make
arrangements for child care, attend certain school activities, handle certain financial or legal arrangements,
attend certain counseling sessions, attend military ceremonies or informational briefings, to spend short
periods of time for rest and recuperation leave during the period of deployment or participate in certain
post-deployment activities.
The “designated 12-month period” is the rolling 12-month period measured backward from the date a
Team Member uses any family and medical leave. It is the period during which the 12 workweeks of family
and medical leave may be used.
The “single 12-month period” is the 12-month period that begins on the first date the Team Member uses
any military caregiver leave. It is the period during which the 26 workweeks of military caregiver leave may
be used.
“Veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval or air service, and who was discharged
or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Duration
Family and medical leave may be taken for up to 12 workweeks during the designated 12-month period for
the purposes described above. Leave for the purpose described in military caregiver leave, may be taken
for up to twenty-six (26) workweeks in a single 12-month period. During the single 12-month period, an
eligible Team Member shall be entitled to a combined total of 26 workweeks of leave for the reasons
specified above. In other words, any family and medical leave taken during the single 12-month period for
reasons specified above (up to 12 weeks), will be counted towards the total 26-week entitlement permitted
for leave to care for a covered service member with a serious illness or injury during that single 12-month
Use of Leave
Team Members need not use family and medical leave in one block. Intermittent or reduced schedule leave
is available, if medically necessary. Team Members must make a reasonable effort to schedule planned
medical treatments so as not to unduly disrupt business operations. For planned absences that are
intermittent or on a reduced schedule, the Company may require the Team Member to temporarily
transfer to an alternative position for which the Team Member is qualified, with equivalent pay and
benefits, that better accommodates the recurring periods of leave than the Team Member’s regular
position. Leave due to qualifying exigencies may also be taken on an intermittent basis.
Medical Certification
When leave is requested for the Team Member’s or a family member’s (see paragraphs above) medical
reasons, the Team Member must submit a medical certification from the health care provider of the patient
that establishes the Team Member is eligible for family and medical leave. The Human Resources
Department will provide the appropriate certification form. A complete and sufficient certification must be
provided as soon as is reasonably practical, and not later than the date leave begins or within 15 days of
the Company’s request, whichever is later.
When the leave is requested because of the Team Member’s own serious health condition, the certification
must include: (1) the date the serious health condition commenced, (2) the probable duration of the serious
health condition, (3) information sufficient to establish that the Team Member has a serious health
condition, and (4) information sufficient to establish the Team Member cannot perform the essential
functions of the Team Member’s job as well as the nature of any other work restrictions and the likely
duration of such inability. The Team Member must provide the required medical certification to the
Company in a timely manner to avoid a delay or denial of leave. Obtain appropriate forms from the Human
Resources Department.
If the Company has reason to doubt the validity of a medical certification, it may require at its expense that
the Team Member get a second opinion from a healthcare provider chosen or approved by the Company,
as long as that healthcare provider does not work for the Company. If the opinions of the healthcare
providers for the first and second certifications differ, the Company may require the Team Member to
obtain a certification from a third healthcare provider (approved jointly by the Company and the Team
Member) at the Company’s expense. The third certification shall be final and binding.
When leave is requested to care for a family member (either because the family member has a serious
health condition or needs military caregiver leave), the certification must include: (1) information sufficient
to establish that the family member has a serious health condition or serious injury or illness, and the date
the condition began, (2) the probable duration of the condition, (3) information sufficient to establish the
family member is in need of physical and/or psychological care, and (4) an estimate of the frequency and
duration of the leave required to care for the family member.
The Company will notify the Team Member if the certification is incomplete or insufficient and provide the
Team Member seven (7) calendar days to correct the deficiency. The Company reserves the right to contact
Before returning to work at the conclusion of a leave due to the Team Member’s own serious health
condition, the Team Member is required to provide a certification from his or her health care provider
regarding the Team Member’s fitness for duty.
When leave is due to a qualifying exigency, the Team Member must submit a completed Certification of
Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave to establish the Team Member’s eligibility for this leave. The
Human Resources Department will provide the appropriate certification form. A complete and sufficient
certification must be provided as soon as is reasonably practical, and within 15 days of the Company’s
request.
Family and medical leave is unpaid. However, an eligible Team Member must use any earned vacation and
floating holiday time during family and medical leave. Use of vacation and floating holiday time is subject
to the terms and conditions of the Paid Vacation and Paid Holidays policies.
During a family and medical leave, group health benefits will be maintained for up to 12 workweeks (up to
26 workweeks for military caregiver leave) as if the Team Member were continuously employed, however,
the Team Member must continue to pay the Team Member’s share of premiums for the Team Member
and any covered dependents, if any, during the leave. If the Team Member fails to return to work at the
conclusion of the approved leave, the Company may recover its share of the premiums paid during the
leave, unless the inability to return is due to circumstances beyond the Team Member’s control or
otherwise excused. A Team Member on an approved family and medical leave will not lose any benefits
accrued before the leave began.
Reinstatement
Team Members who return to work immediately after the end of an approved family and medical leave
will normally be reinstated to the same or an equivalent position and will receive pay and benefits
equivalent to those the Team Member received prior to the leave, as required by law. If the Team Member
does not return to work on the first workday following the expiration of an approved family and medical
leave, the Team Member will be deemed to have resigned from employment. In certain circumstances,
“key” Team Members may not be eligible for reinstatement following a family and medical leave. The
Company will provide written notice to any “key” Team Member who is not eligible for reinstatement.
Employer Responsibilities
The Company will inform Team Members requesting leave whether they are eligible under FMLA and as
applicable, state law. If they are, the Notice of Eligibility will specify any additional information required, as
well as the Team Member’s rights and responsibilities. If a Team Member is not eligible, the Company shall
provide a reason for the ineligibility.
The company will not interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any right provided under FMLA;
discharge or discriminate against any person for opposing any practice made unlawful by FMLA or for
involvement in any proceeding under or relating to FMLA.
FMLA does not affect any federal or state law prohibiting discrimination or supersede any State or local law
or collective bargaining agreement which provides greater family or medical leave rights. For additional
information you may call (866) 487-9243 or TTY at (877) 889-5627 www.wagehour.gov.
If you have any questions concerning or would like to submit a request for a family and medical leave of
absence, please contact the Human Resources Department.
If you have questions regarding your rights or have need for an accommodation for a condition relating to
pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, please contact Human Resources. For further
information regarding the Act, Team Members may contact the Nevada Equal Rights Commission.
The unlawful or unauthorized use, abuse, solicitation, theft, possession, transfer, purchase, sale, or
distribution of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol by an individual anywhere on
Company premises, while on Company business (whether or not on Company premises), while driving a
Company vehicle or driving a personal vehicle for Company business, or while representing the Company,
is strictly prohibited. Team Members also are prohibited from reporting to work or working while they are
using or under the influence of alcohol, any drugs as well as any controlled substances which may impact a
Team Member’s ability to perform the Team Member’s job or otherwise pose safety concerns, except when
the use is pursuant to a licensed medical practitioner’s instructions and the licensed medical practitioner
authorized the Team Member to report to work. However, to the extent permitted by and in accordance
with applicable law, this exception does not extend any right to report to work or perform work under the
influence of medical marijuana or to treat the lawful use of medical marijuana as a defense to a policy
violation or a positive drug test, to the extent you are subject to any drug testing requirement.
Violation of this policy may result in progressive counseling, up to and including discharge.
The Company maintains a policy of non-discrimination and will endeavor to make reasonable
accommodations to assist Team Members recovering from substance and alcohol dependencies, and those
who have a medical history that reflects treatment for substance abuse conditions. Team Members may
not request an accommodation to avoid counseling for a policy violation. If you need help, contact our EAP
Harmony Healthcare at (702) 251-8000, (800) 363-4874, or access their website for online tools,
articles, resources and more at www.harmonyhc.com.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure our work environment is free of alcohol and drugs. If you have
knowledge of a violation and do not report it, you are also subject to corrective action, up to and including
separation. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact Human Resources.
THANK YOU!
As we reopen Palms and welcome back guests to our iconic property, we are highly committed to each of
you, our valued Team Members. Thank you for choosing Palms and we look forward to working with you
for many years to come, to create memorable experiences for you, our community and our guests.