Zumiez U.S. Employee Handbook (May 2024)

Legal Disclaimer

• No contract or agreement is created by the handbook between Zumiez and employees.
• Employment is at-will and can be terminated by either party at any time.

Handbook Purpose

• Overview of employment policies and procedures.
• Evolving document, subject to updates.
• Applicable to all U.S. employees.
• Not the final word on employment-related matters.

Key Chapters and Topics

Chapter 1: Welcome

• History and guiding principles of Zumiez.
• Importance of communication and company culture.

Chapter 2: Introductory Policies

• Equal Employment Opportunity: Commitment to non-discrimination based on various protected characteristics.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Process for disability and other necessary accommodations.
• Employment of Relatives: Guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest.

Chapter 3: Working at the Company

• Code of Conduct and Ethics: High standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and law obedience.
• Orientation Period: First 90 days considered orientation; performance evaluated.
• Compensation: Pay details provided in offer letter.

Chapter 4: Employee Classification

• Definitions of temporary, seasonal, part-time, and full-time employment.
• Distinction between exempt and non-exempt employees.

Chapter 5: Hours and Compensation

• Workweek and Scheduling: Standard workweek Sunday to Saturday.
• Timekeeping: Accurate recording of work hours is critical.
• Rest and Meal Breaks: Guidelines for non-exempt employees.

Chapter 6: Pay Policies

• Payroll: Bi-weekly pay schedule.
• Pay Cards and Direct Deposit: Options for receiving wages.
• Overtime and Wage Garnishment: Overtime pay policies and handling garnishments.

Chapter 7: Employee Benefits

• Healthcare Benefits: Eligibility and enrollment details.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan options and enrollment.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Discounted stock purchase opportunity.
• Merchandise Discount: Employee discount on store merchandise.

Chapter 8: Facilities

• Employee Parking and Visitor Policy: Guidelines for parking and having visitors at work.

Chapter 9: Leaves and Time Off

• Vacation: Accrual rates and usage policies.
• Sick Time: Accrual and usage.
• Family and Medical Leave (FMLA): Eligibility and leave details.
• Additional Leaves: Bereavement, military, jury duty, and voting leaves.

Chapter 10: Job Performance and Workplace Behavior

• Standards of Conduct: Expectations for employee behavior.
• Customer Service: Importance of providing excellent customer experience.
• Dress Code: Appropriate work attire guidelines.

Chapter 11: Workplace Safety

• Safety Rules: Accident reporting and hazard management.
• Workplace Violence Policy: Zero tolerance for violence.

Chapter 12: Employee Privacy

• Personal Possessions and Inspections: Rights and responsibilities.

Chapter 13: Computers, Telephones, Email, and the Internet

• Use Policies: Company systems are for business use.
• Security: Protection of company data and systems.

Chapter 14: Employee Records

• Confidentiality and Access: Handling personal and employment records.
• Updating Personal Information: Responsibility for keeping information current.

Chapter 15: Drugs, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances

• Policy: Substance use is prohibited at work.

Chapter 16: Trade Secrets and Conflicts of Interest

• Confidentiality: Protection of company information.
• Insider Trading Policy: Restrictions on trading company securities.
• Conflict of Interest: Avoidance of situations that compromise company integrity.

Chapter 17: Anti-Harassment, Non-Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation

• Policies: Commitment to a harassment-free workplace.
• Complaint Procedures: Reporting process for violations.

Chapter 18: Complaint Policies

• Reporting Hotline: Confidential method for reporting concerns.

Chapter 19: Ending Employment

• Resignation and Termination: Guidelines for voluntary and involuntary separations.
• Final Wages: Timelines for final payments.

Acknowledgment

• Employees must acknowledge receipt and understanding of the handbook and policies.