Merritt Employee Handbook 2023

The principles and guidelines found in Merritt's other policies in this Handbook apply to your activities online. You are solely responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and responsibilities that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow Merritt employees or otherwise affects clients or Merritt's legitimate business interests may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employees are reminded to always be fair and courteous to fellow employees and clients. Also, keep in mind you are more likely to resolve work-related complaints by speaking directly with your co-workers or supervisor than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements, photographs, video, or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, that disparages clients or fellowMerritt employees, or that might constitute harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone's reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of any Protected Category.

Merritt does not prohibit employees from engaging in protected activities under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

36. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Merritt sees substance abuse as a serious threat to the health and safety of our employees and to the integrity of our business. This policy is enacted in response.

The use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs, the consumption of alcohol, and the abuse of other legal substances while on Merritt premises or while conducting Merritt business is prohibited. This Policy shall not apply to certain business-related functions, such as holiday parties and other social events, concerning the use of alcohol, provided that such alcohol is consumed in a responsible manner. In no event, may an employee consume alcohol at any Merritt function in an amount to render themselves impaired or not in full control of their faculties. In addition, the off-duty use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs and reporting to work with detectable amounts of illegal drugs or alcohol in one’s system are also prohibited. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination, in Merritt’s sole discretion . Illegal drugs include (but are not limited to) cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines, as well as other types of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and perception altering drugs or controlled substances. In addition, for purposes of this policy, prescription and over-the- counter drugs used without authorized prescription or contrary to medical advice will also be considered illegal drugs. Employees who are taking over-the-counter or

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