Previous Section (Benefits)

Borrowing Tools &Equipment
Bulletin Boards
Communications
Company Meetings
Computer Software(Unauthorized Copying)
Conversion Privileges- Insurance
Dress Code / Personal Appearance
Entering & Leaving The Premises
Entry After-Hours
Exit Interviews
Expense Reimbursement
First Aid
Gifts
Grievances
Housekeeping
Inspection of Packages
Outside Activities
Personal Phone Calls & Mail
Personal Use of Company Property
Resignation
Return of Company Property
Safety Rules
Security
Smoking
Solicitations &Distributions
Substance Abuse
Suggestions
Theft

Borrowing Tools & Equipment

See "Personal Use of Company Property" later on in this section.

Bulletins and bulletin board(s) are our "official"way of keeping everyone informed about new policies, changes in procedures and special events. Information of general interest is posted regularly on the bulletin board, located in the cafeteria. Please form the habit of reading the bulletin board regularly so that you will be familiar with the information posted on it.

Please check with the Human Resources Department before posting anything on the bulletin board.

Successful working conditions and relationships depend upon successful communication. Not only do you need to stay aware of changes in procedures, policies and general information, you also need to communicate your ideas, suggestions, personal goals or problems as they affect your work.

In addition to the exchanges of information and expressions of ideas and attitudes which occur daily, make certain you are aware of and utilize all Quantum Data methods of communication, including this Employee Manual, bulletin boards, discussions with your manager, memoranda, staff meetings, newsletters, training sessions, etc.

You will receive other information booklets, such as your insurance booklets, from time to time. You may take these booklets home so that your family may know more about your job and your benefits.

In addition, you may receive letters from Quantum Data. There is no regular schedule for distribution of this information. The function of each letter is to provide you and your family with interesting news and helpful information which will keep you up-to-date on the events here at Quantum Data.

On occasion, we may request that you attend a company sponsored meeting. If this is scheduled during your regular working hours, your attendance is required. If it is held during your non -working hours and you decide to attend, you will be paid for the time you spend traveling to and from the meeting as well as for time spent at the meeting, but only if you are one of our "non -exempt" employees. (If you are qualified for overtime pay by virtue of working more than forty hours that same work week, then you will receive your overtime rate.)

If you are a "non-exempt" employee, you are under no obligation to attend a company meeting which is held outside of regular working hours. No one in management is permitted to exert any degree of pressure on you to attend.

Quantum Data does not condone the illegal duplication of software. The copyright law is clear. The copyright holder is given certain exclusive rights, including the right to make and distribute copies. Title 17 of the U.S. Code states that "it is illegal to make or distribute copies of copyrighted material without authorization" (Section 106). The only exception is the users' right to make a backup copy for archival purposes (Section 117).

The law protects the exclusive rights of the copyright holder and does not give users the right to copy software unless a backup copy is not provided by the manufacturer. Unauthorized duplication of software is a Federal crime. Penalties include fines of as much as $250,000, and jail terms of up to five years.

Even the users of unlawful copies suffer from their own illegal actions. They receive no documentation, no customer support and no information about product updates.

• Quantum Data licenses the use of computer software from a variety of outside companies. Quantum Data does not own this software or its related documentation and, unless authorized by the software manufacturer, does not have the right to reproduce it.
• With regard to use on local area networks or on multiple machines, Quantum Data employees shall use the software only in accordance with the license agreement.
• Quantum Data employees learning of any misuse of software or related documentation within the company shall notify the department manager or Quantum Data legal counsel.
• According to the U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software can be subject to civil damages and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Quantum Data employees who make, acquire or use unauthorized copies of computer software shall be disciplined as appropriate under the circumstances. Such discipline may include dismissal.

At your exit interview or upon dismissal, you will learn how you can continue your insurance coverage and any other benefits you currently enjoy as an employee who is eligible for continuation.

Please understand that you are expected to dress and groom yourself in accordance with accepted social and business standards, particularly if your job involves dealing with customers or visitors in person. Each manager or department head is responsible for establishing a reasonable dress code appropriate to the job you perform.

A neat, tasteful appearance contributes to the positive impression you make on our customers. You are expected to be suitably attired and groomed during working hours or when representing Quantum Data. A good clean appearance bolsters your own poise and self -confidence and greatly enhances our company image. When working at a customer's site, please observe what the customer is wearing and dress appropriately.

Personal appearance should be a matter of concern for each employee. If your manager feels your attire is out of place, you may be asked to leave your workplace until you are properly attired. You will not be paid for the time you are off the job for this purpose. Your manager has the sole authorization to determine an appropriate dress code, and anyone who violates this standard will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

At the time you are hired, you will be advised about the proper entrances and exits for our employees. You are expected to abide by these rules at all times. Failure to do so will lead to disciplinary action.

You are not allowed to enter Quantum Data property after normal working hours for any reason without the express approval of your manager or the manager on duty.

In instances where an employee voluntarily leaves our employ, Quantum Data's Human Resource Department would like to discuss your reasons for leaving and any other impressions  that you may have about Quantum Data. If you decide to leave, you will be asked to grant us the privilege of an exit interview. During the exit interview, you can express yourself freely. It is hoped that this exit interview will help us part friends, as well as provide insights into possible improvements we can make. All information will be kept strictly confidential and will in no way affect any reference information that Quantum Data management will provide another employer about you.

You must have your manager's written authorization (requisition/purchase order, etc.) prior to incurring an expense on behalf of Quantum Data. To be reimbursed for all authorized expenses, you must submit an expense report/voucher accompanied by receipts and approved by your manager. Please submit your expense report/voucher each week, as you incur authorized reimbursable expenses.

If you are asked to conduct company business using your personal vehicle, you will be reimbursed at the rate $.28 per mile. Please submit this expense on your weekly expense report/voucher.

Federal law ("OSHA") requires that we keep records of all illnesses and accidents which occur during the workday. The Illinois state Workers' Compensation Act also requires that you report any illness or injury on the job, no matter how slight. If you hurt yourself or become ill, please contact your manager for assistance. If you fail to report an injury, you may jeopardize your right to collect workers' compensation payments as well as health benefits. OSHA also provides for your right to know about any health hazards which might be present on the job. Should you have any questions or concerns, contact the Human Resources Department or your manager for more information.

Advance approval from management is required before an employee may accept or solicit a gift of any kind from a customer, supplier or vendor representative. Employees are not permitted to give gifts to customers or suppliers, except for certain promotional "premiums" (t-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, key chains, etc.) imprinted with the Quantum Data logo or sales information.

Our goal is to maintain a comfortable working environment for everybody. We do this in several ways:

• By treating each of you as an individual and encouraging your maximum development;
• By recognizing that each of you is essential to the success and growth of Quantum Data; and
• By maintaining direct communications with all of our employees and ensuring that each and every one of you can speak directly and openly with our management team.

We believe that this type of communication, without interference from any outside party, is best for all concerned. Therefore, when you wish to express your problems, opinions, or suggestions, you will always find an open door and an attentive ear.

As time goes by and Quantum Data grows, we will continue to listen and respond to your questions and comments.

Resolving Problems

Whenever you have a problem or complaint, we expect you to speak up and communicate directly with us. You can take the following steps:

1. First, talk to your immediate manager. Your manager is most familiar with you and your job and is, therefore, in the best position to assist you. Your manager works closely with you, and is interested in seeing that you are treated fairly and properly.
2. If your manager cannot help you resolve the matter, you can speak to the Human Resource Manager who will give your problem or complaint prompt consideration.
3. If the Human Resource Manager feels that the situation warrants further review, he/she will ask the President for assistance.

Remember - it is always best to resolve problems right away. Little problems tend to turn into big problems; facts become confused; resentment and anger builds up. It is always best to get things off your chest before they get out of hand.

Neatness and good housekeeping are signs of efficiency. You are expected to keep your work area neat and orderly at all times - it is a required safety precaution. Easily accessible trash receptacles and recycling containers are located throughout the building. Please put all litter and recyclable materials in the appropriate receptacles and containers. Always be aware of good health and safety standards, including fire and loss prevention. Please report anything that needs repairing or replacing to your manager immediately.

Quantum Data reserves the right to inspect all packages or closed containers brought into or taken out of the work area.

No employee may take an outside job, either for pay or as a donation of his or her personal time, with a customer or competitor of Quantum Data; nor may they do work on their own if it competes in any way with the sales of products or services we provide our customers. If your financial situation requires you to hold a second job, part-time or full -time, or if you intend to engage in a business enterprise of your own, we would like to know about it. Before accepting any outside employment it would be a good idea to discuss the matter with your manager.

Please keep personal phone calls to a minimum - they must not interfere with your work. You are permitted to make limited local area calls on company telephones for essential personal business during lunch periods only. Please do not abuse this privilege. Emergency calls regarding illness or injury to family members, changed family plans, or calls for similar reasons may be made at any time. Incoming urgent calls will be directed to you.

Please don't use Quantum Data as a personal mailing address, and do not put personal mail in the stacks that are to be run through the postage meter. Although the amount may seem small, it is still considered theft.

If you want to use Quantum Data equipment or tools during or after work hours for personal benefit, you must have the approval of your manager. You must have a written pass before removing the equipment or tools from Quantum Data property. You understand and agree that Quantum Data is not liable for personal injury incurred during the use of company property for personal projects. As a Quantum Data employee, you accept full responsibility for any and all liabilities for injuries or losses which occur, or for the malfunction of equipment. You are responsible for returning the equipment or tools in good condition, and you agree that you are required to pay for any damages that occur while using the equipment or tools for personal projects.

While we hope both you and Quantum Data will mutually benefit from your continued employment, we realize that it may become necessary for you to leave your job with Quantum  Data. If you anticipate having to resign your position with Quantum Data, you are expected to notify your manager, in writing, at least two (2) weeks in advance of the date that you must leave.

Any Quantum Data property issued to you, such as product samples, tools or uniforms, must be returned to Quantum Data at the time of your dismissal or resignation, or whenever it is requested by your manager or a member of management. You are responsible to pay for any lost or damaged items. The value of any property issued and not returned may be deducted from your paycheck, and you may be required to sign a wage deduction authorization for this purpose.

Safety is everybody's business. Safety is to be given primary importance in every aspect of planning and performing all Quantum Data activities. We want to protect you against industrial injury and illness, as well as minimize the potential loss of production.

Please report all injuries (no matter how slight) to your manager immediately, as well as anything that needs repair or is a safety hazard. Your manager or department head may post other safety procedures in your department or work area:

We will continue to provide a clean, safe and healthy place to work and we will provide the best equipment possible. You are expected to work safely, to observe all safety rules and to keep the premises clean and neat. Remember that carelessly endangering yourself or others may lead to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

Maintaining the security of Quantum Data buildings and vehicles is every employee's responsibility. Develop habits that insure security as a matter of course. For example:

• Always keep cash properly secured. If you are aware that cash is insecurely stored, immediately inform the person responsible.
• Know the location of all alarms and fire extinguishers, and familiarize yourself with the proper procedure for using them, should the need arise.
• When you leave Quantum Data's premises make sure that all entrances are properly locked and secured.

Quantum Data discourages its employees from smoking. Smoking is regarded as a poor health habit which can detract from performance and is often offensive to co-workers and/or customers. While we cannot regulate employee conduct off the job or outside of work hours, we feel it is our responsibility to provide a workplace free of exposure to hazardous substances, and we have therefore established our facility and business as a smoke-free workplace. Any use of smoking materials on Company time and premises is strictly prohibited

Solicitation for any cause during working time and in working areas is not permitted. You are not permitted to distribute non-company literature in work areas at any time during working time. Working time is defined as the time assigned for the performance of your job and does not apply to break periods and meal times. Working areas do not include the lunch room or the parking areas. Solicitation during authorized meal and break periods is permitted so long as it is not conducted in working areas. Persons not employed by Quantum Data are prohibited from soliciting or distributing literature on company property.

Quantum Data is committed to providing its employees with a safe workplace and an atmosphere which allows them to protect inventory and other assets placed in their care; Quantum Data employees should not be subject to any safety threats from fellow workers. You are expected to be in suitable mental and physical condition while at work, allowing you to perform your job effectively and safely.

Whenever use or abuse of any mood altering substance (such as alcohol or other drugs) interferes with a safe workplace, appropriate action must be taken. Quantum Data has no desire to intrude into its employees' personal lives. However, both on-the-job and off-the-job involvement with any mood altering substances can have an impact on our workplace and on Quantum Data's ability to achieve its objectives of safety and security. Therefore, you are expected to report to the workplace with no mood altering substances in your body. While you may make your own life-style choices, Quantum Data cannot accept the risk in the workplace which substance use or abuse may create. The possession, sale or use of mood altering substances at the workplace, or coming to work under the influence of such substances shall be a violation of safe work practices and will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

We encourage all employees to bring forward their suggestions and good ideas about how our company can be made a better place to work, our products improved, and our service to customers enhanced. When you see an opportunity for improvement, please talk it over with your immediate manager. He or she can help you bring our idea to the attention of the people in the company who will be responsible for possibly implementing it.

Internal theft is a serious problem for Quantum Data. Although taking small items of Quantum Data property many seem inconsequential, the cumulative effect can be very large. Stealing from the company is like stealing from yourself. Losses from theft immediately affect our ability to increase salaries and can jeopardize the profitability of the company.

Property theft of any type will not be tolerated by Quantum Data. We consider property theft to be the unauthorized use of company services or facilities or the taking of any company property for personal use.

Penalty Clause

Unauthorized possession or removal of company property is a very serious offense. Employees violating this policy will be subjected to discipline up to and including possible dismissal and prosecution. Quantum Data will consider the dollar value of the item(s) taken, the employee's seniority, and the employee's past work record in setting penalties. If you are dismissed because of unauthorized possession or removal of company property, the reason for your dismissal will be provided to any future employer that contacts Quantum Data. Referrals to criminal authorities will be made on a case-by-case basis.