Harassment is the act of being ridiculed for any reason similar to discrimination such as race, color, sex, etc. It is to be treated VERY seriously. If any team member approaches you about a harassment-related issue, never dismiss them, even if it sounds ridiculous to you. Their perception is reality. Speak with them privately. Gather objective and detailed information about the event. Note any witnesses and notify a Director or Joe immediately. 

Types of Harassment include, but are not limited to: 

•  Sexual Harassment (ex: inappropriate/unwanted touching) 

• Verbal Harassment (ex: threatening comments) 

• Physical Harassment (ex: hitting someone/unwanted touching) 

What to do in a harassment situation: 

• •  Make sure no one is physically hurt and in need of medical attention. If they do need medical attention, call 911.  

  • If someone has physically hurt someone they need to be removed from the premises. IF any refusal is involved and you can’t handle the situation, call 911.

Discrimination: Treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination. 

Illegal discrimination includes anything based on: 

• Race 

• Color 

• Origin 

• Citizenship 

• Sex / Sexual Orientation 

• Religion 

Examples that discrimination can be determined include but are not limited to: 

• Giving adequate training for the position they were hired for. - You can’t not train someone how to do their job because you don’t like them or they aren’t catching on; they are to be given the same training as every new employee 

• How you lead your team--you can’t abuse the position you’re in because you dislike or don’t get along with someone. They are to be given the same opportunities or chances as any other team member.

In our restaurant, it is necessary for us to have numerous policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team. We have an awesome culture here at Chick-fil-A, and the policies we have protect and cultivate that culture. These policies are not optional to follow, and they cannot be enforced with one person and unenforced with another. As a leader, it is entirely your responsibility and well within your role to make sure all policies are followed, and you address all unobserved policies.

Some policies that are important for you to watch out for as a leader:

Non-Harassment: We have zero tolerance for harassment of any kind for any reason. As a leader, be aware of Team Members being harassed or harassing others. You must always ensure all Team Members and guests are treated with honor, dignity, and respect.

Breaks: Always make sure Team Members are clocking out before going to get their things or ordering their food.

Employee Meals: Ensure Team Members eat their food in the designated area (never behind the counter or in the kitchen), that they take no part of their meal home with them, and that they never store food or drinks for later.

Job Duties & Responsibilities: Team Members should stay in the spots you've assigned them & complete the job associated with that position.

Age Restricted Activities: Make sure there are never minors compacting trash or cardboard, or using the chicken slicer.

Standards of Conduct: Team Members are expected to act professionally and maturely.

Appearance: All parts of all Team Member’s uniforms must be present, and there should be no uniform violations, such as long nails, unnatural hair color, etc.

Drug Free Workplace: If you think someone is under the influence or has brought something to work, seek an Executive Director ASAP.

Workplace Violence: We have zero tolerance for workplace violence. This includes yelling, throwing things, threats, or physical fighting. Any of these things absolutely must be documented, and the Team Member will be sent home.

Cell Phone Use: Team Members may not ever use their cell phone while on the clock unless they have been given specific permission. Absolutely no one may have their phone on their person unless they have been granted specific permission.

Insubordination: Team Members are expected to do as leaders ask and tell them to do.

Theft: Theft is done in many ways. Team Members may not take food home without payment or take food or product from the kitchen; Team Members may not give away free food without a leader’s express permission; Team Members may not give unauthorized discounts, short change, take money from drawers, or over portion products intentionally; Team Members may not steal time by remaining clocked in while they are not working. These are all forms of theft which must be documented and addressed.

While leading a shift, you are accountable for the observance and adherence of all policies by all Team Members. Remember, you are not there to be everyone’s friend; you are there to make sure the store runs properly, our guests are served, and all employees have a positive experience.