Employee Handbook
April 2026
At-Will Employment
Your employment with CREA, LLC is on an "at-will" basis. This means your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause. Likewise, we respect your right to leave the Company at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause. Nothing in this handbook or any other Company document should be understood as creating a contract, guaranteed or continued employment, a right to termination only "for cause," or any other guarantee of continued benefits or employment. Only the Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer has the authority to make promises or negotiate with regard to guaranteed or continued employment, and any such promises are only effective if placed in writing and signed by the Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer. If a written contract between you and the Company is inconsistent with this handbook, the written contract is controlling. Nothing in this handbook will be interpreted, applied, or enforced to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.
Purpose of the Handbook
This handbook will:
1. Answer some of your questions, 2. Provide information you should know about your employment, and 3. Inform you of some of the rules, regulations and policies related to your employment. You are expected to comply with each of the guidelines and policies discussed in this handbook as well as any others adopted by the Company in exercising its right to manage its business. If you have questions about any of the policies or procedures, please direct them to the Human Resources department. Please take the time now to read this handbook carefully. Sign the Paylocity acknowledgment to show that you have read, understood, and agree to the contents of this handbook, which sets out the basic guidelines concerning your employment. CREA, LLC complies with all federal and state employment laws, and this handbook generally reflects those laws. The Company also complies with any applicable local laws, although there may not be an express written policy regarding those laws contained in the handbook. This handbook will answer many of your initial questions and help you get acquainted with our policies, benefits, and your specific opportunities and responsibilities at the Company. If you have questions about your employment or any provisions in this handbook, please contact Human Resources.
Contents Core
1.0 Introductory Language And Policies ............................................................................................................................. 15 1.1 Revisions To Handbook .........................................................................................................................................................................16 1.2 Ethics Code ....................................................................................................................................................................................................16 1.3 Ethics Hotline ...............................................................................................................................................................................................16 1.4 Social Media..................................................................................................................................................................................................18 2.0 Hiring And Orientation Policies ...................................................................................................................................... 21 2.1 Religious Accommodation ............................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2 Disability Accommodation ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 2.3 Accommodations For Pregnancy, Childbirth, And Related Medical Conditions .................................23 2.4 Employment Authorization Verification............................................................................................................................... 24 2.5 Posting Of Openings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 24 2.6 Employee Referral Program........................................................................................................................................................... 24 2.7 Job Descriptions ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 2.8 Job Selection Procedure....................................................................................................................................................................25 2.9 New Hires And Introductory Periods .......................................................................................................................................25 2.10 Training Program .................................................................................................................................................................................25 2.11 Conflicts Of Interest ..............................................................................................................................................................................25 2.12 Employment Of Relatives And Friends ................................................................................................................................26 3.0 Benefits.......................................................................................................................................................................................27 3.1 Jury Duty Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................28 3.2 Mycreabenefits.Com .............................................................................................................................................................................28 3.3 CREA's 401(K) Retirement Readiness Plan .........................................................................................................................28 3.4 Continuing Education .........................................................................................................................................................................28 3.5 Tuition Reimbursement .....................................................................................................................................................................29 3.6 Paid Time Off (PTO) & Floating Holiday.................................................................................................................................29 3.7 Family And Medical Leave (FMLA) .............................................................................................................................................. 31 3.8 Parental, Maternity, And Adoption Leave............................................................................................................................35 3.9 Bereavement Leave ..............................................................................................................................................................................36 3.10 Personal Leave Of Absence .......................................................................................................................................................... 37 3.11 Military Leave (USERRA)....................................................................................................................................................................38 3.12 Employment Classifications.........................................................................................................................................................38 3.13 Workers' Compensation Insurance.........................................................................................................................................38 3.14 Unemployment Compensation Insurance .......................................................................................................................39 3.15 COBRA ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................39 4.0 Wage And Hour Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 40 4.1 Introduction To Wage And Hour Policies ............................................................................................................................... 41 4.2 Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41 4.3 Recording Time.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 41 4.4 Paycheck Deductions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 42 4.5 Direct Deposit ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
5.0 Performance, Discipline, Layoff, And Termination ............................................................................................... 43 5.1 Standards Of Conduct ......................................................................................................................................................................... 44 5.2 Open Door/Conflict Resolution Process................................................................................................................................. 44
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5.3 Performance Reviews ..........................................................................................................................................................................45 5.4 Disciplinary Process...............................................................................................................................................................................45 5.5 Outside Employment...........................................................................................................................................................................45 5.6 Criminal Activity/Arrests ....................................................................................................................................................................46 5.7 Resignation Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................................46 5.8 Exit Interview ..............................................................................................................................................................................................46 5.9 Employment Verification..................................................................................................................................................................46 6.0 General Policies ......................................................................................................................................................................47 6.1 Confidentiality And Nondisclosure Of Trade Secrets...................................................................................................48 6.2 Client, Visitor & Vendor Relations ...............................................................................................................................................48 6.3 Personal Appearance..........................................................................................................................................................................48 6.4 Fraternization ............................................................................................................................................................................................48 6.5 Third Party Disclosures .......................................................................................................................................................................48 6.6 Personal Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use ...............................................................................................................................49 6.7 Mail Use ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................49 6.8 Personal Data Changes.....................................................................................................................................................................49 6.9 Driving Record ...........................................................................................................................................................................................49 6.10 Telecommuting & Work Strategy.............................................................................................................................................49 6.11 Minors In The Workplace ................................................................................................................................................................ 50 6.12 Employer Sponsored Social Events ....................................................................................................................................... 50 6.13 Off-Duty Use Of Employer Property Or Premises ........................................................................................................ 50 6.14 Nonsolicitation/Nondistribution Policy............................................................................................................................... 50 6.15 Workplace Privacy And Right To Inspect............................................................................................................................51 6.16 Other Policies ............................................................................................................................................................................................51 7.0 Safety And Loss Prevention ............................................................................................................................................. 52 7.1 General Safety.............................................................................................................................................................................................53 7.2 Security ............................................................................................................................................................................................................53 7.3 Workplace Violence ..............................................................................................................................................................................53 7.4 Drug And Alcohol Policy ....................................................................................................................................................................54 7.5 Workplace Tobacco Usage .............................................................................................................................................................55 California Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 59 Hiring And Orientation Policies ........................................................................................................................................... 59 Communications Regarding Religious Or Political Matters .............................................................................................59 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy .................................................................................................................................57 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ............................................................................................................................................ 60 Drug And Alcohol Rehabilitation Accommodation ................................................................................................................62 Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 Leave And Accommodations For Victims Of Violence...........................................................................................................63 Reproductive Loss Leave ................................................................................................................................................................................63 Civil Air Patrol Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................64 Bereavement Leave ...........................................................................................................................................................................................65 Disability Insurance ...........................................................................................................................................................................................65 Paid Family Leave Insurance .....................................................................................................................................................................66 Bone Marrow And Organ Donation Leave.......................................................................................................................................66 California Family Rights Act (Cfra) Leave .........................................................................................................................................66 Military Spouse Leave .......................................................................................................................................................................................69 Paid Sick And Safe Leave (Accrual Method) ..................................................................................................................................69 San Diego Earned Sick Leave.................................................................................................................................................................... 70 Pregnancy Disability Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................... 70
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Voting Leave ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 73 Witness Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 73 School Disciplinary Leave.............................................................................................................................................................................. 73 Wage And Hour Policies ...........................................................................................................................................................74 Pay Period.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 74 Workday/Workweek .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Meal And Rest Periods..................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Travel Time Pay ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75 Overtime ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 75 Lactation Accommodations....................................................................................................................................................................... 75 Wage Disclosure Protection ........................................................................................................................................................................76 Safety And Loss Prevention ....................................................................................................................................................77 Indoor Heat Illness Prevention .................................................................................................................................................................. 77 General Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ........................................................................................................................78 Whistleblower Protections ...........................................................................................................................................................................78 Colorado Policies ............................................................................................................................................................................. 79 Hiring And Orientation Policies ........................................................................................................................................... 79 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy .................................................................................................................................76 Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 80 Paid Public Health Emergency Leave................................................................................................................................................ 80 Paid Family And Medical Leave Insurance ......................................................................................................................................81 Civil Air Patrol Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................82 Domestic Violence Leave ..............................................................................................................................................................................83 Family Care Leave ...............................................................................................................................................................................................84 Paid Sick Leave (Accrual Method)..........................................................................................................................................................84 Voting Leave ............................................................................................................................................................................................................86 Wage And Hour Policies .......................................................................................................................................................... 86 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers.............................................................................................................................................86 Colorado Overtime & Minimum Pay Standards (Comps) Order Notice ...................................................................86 Meal And Rest Periods.....................................................................................................................................................................................86 Overtime .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................87 Pay Period..................................................................................................................................................................................................................87 Travel Time Pay .....................................................................................................................................................................................................87 Safety And Loss Prevention ................................................................................................................................................... 88 Colorado Workplace Public Health Rights Notice....................................................................................................................88 General Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 88 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ........................................................................................................................88 Florida Policies ................................................................................................................................................................................. 89 Hiring And Orientation Policies ........................................................................................................................................... 89 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy .................................................................................................................................86 Policy Against Workplace Harassment .............................................................................................................................................89 Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 90 Civil Air Patrol Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 90 Domestic/Sexual Violence Leave .............................................................................................................................................................91 Voting Leave ............................................................................................................................................................................................................92 Wage And Hour Policies .......................................................................................................................................................... 92 Pay Period..................................................................................................................................................................................................................92
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Meal And Rest Periods.....................................................................................................................................................................................92 Travel Time Pay .....................................................................................................................................................................................................93 Overtime .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................93 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers.............................................................................................................................................94 General Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 94 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ........................................................................................................................94 Illinois Policies .................................................................................................................................................................................. 95 Hiring And Orientation Policies ........................................................................................................................................... 95 Communications Regarding Religious Or Political Matters .............................................................................................95 Eeo Statement And Nonharassment Policy ..................................................................................................................................95 Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 98 Military Funeral Honors Detail Leave...................................................................................................................................................98 Paid Leave (Accrual Method) .....................................................................................................................................................................99 Election Judge Leave .....................................................................................................................................................................................100 Civil Air Patrol Leave .......................................................................................................................................................................................100 Bereavement Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 101 Blood And Organ Donation Leave ...................................................................................................................................................... 102 Leave For Victims Of Domestic, Sexual, Gender, Or Criminal Violence (Vessa Leave)................................ 103 Family Military Leave ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 105 Voting Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 105 Witness Leave ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 105 Wage And Hour Policies ........................................................................................................................................................ 106 One Day Rest In Seven .................................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Pay Period............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 106 Meal And Rest Periods.................................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Travel Time Pay .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Overtime .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 107 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers.......................................................................................................................................... 107 General Policies ......................................................................................................................................................................... 108 Use Of Employer-Provided Equipment ........................................................................................................................................... 108 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ..................................................................................................................... 108 Indiana Policies ............................................................................................................................................................................... 110 Hiring And Orientation Policies .......................................................................................................................................... 110 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy .............................................................................................................................. 106 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ........................................................................................................................................... 110 Benefits ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 111 Child Conference Leave .................................................................................................................................................................................. 111 Employment Protections For Mobile Support Unit Members ......................................................................................... 112 Employment Protections For Civil Air Patrol Members ........................................................................................................ 112 Court Attendance And Witness Leave ............................................................................................................................................... 113 Military Family Leave ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 113 Voting Leave ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 113 Wage And Hour Policies ..........................................................................................................................................................114 Pay Period................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 114 Meal And Rest Periods.................................................................................................................................................................................... 114 Travel Time Pay .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 114 Overtime ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................115 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers............................................................................................................................................115 General Policies ...........................................................................................................................................................................115
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Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files .......................................................................................................................115
Kentucky Policies............................................................................................................................................................................116 Hiring And Orientation Policies ...........................................................................................................................................116 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy ................................................................................................................................ 112 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ............................................................................................................................................116 Benefits ...........................................................................................................................................................................................117 Adoption Leave .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 117 Court Attendance Leave ............................................................................................................................................................................... 117 Election Officer Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................118 Voting Leave ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................118 Wage And Hour Policies ..........................................................................................................................................................118 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers............................................................................................................................................118 Meal And Rest Periods....................................................................................................................................................................................118 Overtime ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................119 Pay Period.................................................................................................................................................................................................................119 Travel Time Pay ....................................................................................................................................................................................................119 General Policies ......................................................................................................................................................................... 120 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ..................................................................................................................... 120 Massachusetts Policies.................................................................................................................................................................121 Hiring And Orientation Policies ...........................................................................................................................................121 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy ................................................................................................................................ 117 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ............................................................................................................................................ 121 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Notice ............................................................................................................................................. 123 Benefits .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 123 Paid Family And Medical Leave............................................................................................................................................................. 123 Crime Victim And Witness Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................125 Domestic Violence Leave ............................................................................................................................................................................126 Paid Sick Leave (Accrual Method)........................................................................................................................................................126 Parental Leave .....................................................................................................................................................................................................128 Small Necessities Leave................................................................................................................................................................................128 Voting Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................128 Wage And Hour Policies .........................................................................................................................................................128 Pay Period................................................................................................................................................................................................................128 Meal And Rest Periods...................................................................................................................................................................................129 Travel Time Pay ...................................................................................................................................................................................................129 Overtime ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................129 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers.......................................................................................................................................... 130 Wage Disclosure Protection ..................................................................................................................................................................... 130 General Policies ......................................................................................................................................................................... 130 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ..................................................................................................................... 130 Michigan Policies ...........................................................................................................................................................................132 Hiring And Orientation Policies ..........................................................................................................................................132 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy ............................................................................................................................... 127 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ...........................................................................................................................................132 Benefits .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 133 Earned Sick Leave - Accrual Method ................................................................................................................................................. 133 Employment Protections For Civil Air Patrol Members .......................................................................................................135
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Crime Victim Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................136 Voting Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................136 Wage And Hour Policies .........................................................................................................................................................136 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers...........................................................................................................................................136 Meal And Rest Periods................................................................................................................................................................................... 137 Overtime ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 137 Pay Period................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 137 Travel Time Pay ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 137 General Policies ..........................................................................................................................................................................138 Social Security Number Privacy .............................................................................................................................................................138 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ......................................................................................................................138 Missouri Policies ............................................................................................................................................................................ 140 Hiring And Orientation Policies ......................................................................................................................................... 140 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy ...............................................................................................................................134 Policy Against Workplace Harassment .......................................................................................................................................... 140 Benefits ...........................................................................................................................................................................................141 Civil Air Patrol Leave ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 141 Victim And Witness Leave .......................................................................................................................................................................... 142 Voting Leave .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 142 Wage And Hour Policies .........................................................................................................................................................142 Pay Period................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 142 Meal And Rest Periods...................................................................................................................................................................................143 Travel Time Pay ...................................................................................................................................................................................................143 Overtime ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................143 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers...........................................................................................................................................144 General Policies ..........................................................................................................................................................................144 Access To Personnel And Medical Records Files ......................................................................................................................144 New Jersey Policies .......................................................................................................................................................................145 Hiring And Orientation Policies ..........................................................................................................................................145 Communications Regarding Religious Or Political Matters ...........................................................................................145 EEO Statement And Nonharassment Policy ...............................................................................................................................139 Policy Against Workplace Harassment ...........................................................................................................................................146 Benefits .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 147 Bone Marrow And Organ Donation Leave.....................................................................................................................................147 Family Leave .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 147 Family Leave Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................... 150 New Jersey Safe Act Leave .........................................................................................................................................................................152 Paid Sick Leave (Accrual Method)........................................................................................................................................................153 Temporary Disability Insurance .............................................................................................................................................................155 Voting Leave ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................155 Wage And Hour Policies .........................................................................................................................................................155 Pay Period................................................................................................................................................................................................................155 Meal And Rest Periods...................................................................................................................................................................................156 Travel Time Pay ...................................................................................................................................................................................................156 Overtime ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................156 Accommodations For Nursing Mothers...........................................................................................................................................157 Trade Secrets And Inventions..............................................................................................................................................157 Confidentiality And Nondisclosure Of Trade Secrets ............................................................................................................157
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