A. Hours of Work

Full-Time The normal work week for VHN Full-Time employees shall consist of five (5), eight (8) hour days, or 40-hour work weeks. Ordinary work hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, including one-half hour (unpaid) for lunch starting at 12 noon. Employees may request the opportunity to vary their work schedules (within employer-defined limits) to better accommodate personal responsibilities. 

Part-Time The normal work week for VHN Part-Time employees varies and shall consist of no more than three (3), eight (8) hour days, or less than 25 total work hours per week but no more than 35 hours. Ordinary work hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, including one-half hour (unpaid) for lunch starting at 12 noon. Part-time employees may request the opportunity to vary their work schedules (within employer-defined limits) to better accommodate personal responsibilities. 

Intern  The normal work week for VHN Interns varies and shall consist of no more than three (3), eight (8) hour days, or less than 12 total work hours per week. Ordinary work hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, including one hour (unpaid) for lunch starting at 12 noon. Interns may request the opportunity to vary their work schedules (within employer-defined limits) to better accommodate scholastic responsibilities. 

Rest Periods Work schedules may provide for two fifteen-minute rest periods, each full 8-hour workday worked by employees, or one fifteen-minute rest period per four-hour half day.  Such rest periods will be paid and, therefore, are to be considered a privilege. Rest periods are an employment privilege. Rest periods may not be saved to shorten the employee’s workday, extend lunch breaks, or alter the work schedule in any way unless approved by their direct supervisor or any member of upper management.  Rest periods not taken will be forfeited.  Abuse of rest periods may result in loss of privilege.

Hours of Employment are subject to VHN work assignments and upper management approval; the employee’s supervisor shall determine the hours of employment that best suit the needs of the work to be done by the individual employee.

B. Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance is a key factor in your job performance. Punctuality and regular attendance are expected of all employees. Excessive absences (excused or unexcused), tardiness, or early leaving are unacceptable. If you are absent for any reason or plan to arrive late or leave early, you must notify your supervisor as far in advance as possible and no later than one hour before the start of your scheduled work day. In the event of an emergency, you must notify your supervisor as soon as possible. For absences extending longer than one day, you must telephone your immediate supervisor before starting each scheduled workday. When reporting an absence, you should indicate the nature of the problem causing your absence and your expected return-to-work date. A physician’s statement may be required as proof of the need for any illness-related absence, regardless of the length of the absence. Except as provided in other policies, an employee who is absent from work for three consecutive days without notification to their supervisor or any member of upper management will be considered to have voluntarily terminated their employment. The employee’s final paycheck will be mailed to the last mailing address on file with VHN.

Excessive absences, tardiness, or leaving early will be grounds for discipline up to and including termination. Depending on the circumstances, including the employee’s length of employment, VHN may counsel employees prior to termination for excessive absences, tardiness, or leaving early.

C. Overtime

Overtime pay, which is applicable only to Non-Exempt Employees, is for any time worked in excess of 8 hours in a single day. Only the  Founder/Owner, upon the request of an employee's supervisor, may authorize overtime. The overtime rate is one and one-half times (1½) the employee's straight time rate, except in instances involving a Sunday or holidays when the rate is two times the regular rate. Payment of overtime will be provided in the pay period following the period in which it is earned.

D. Code of Conduct 

professionalism is displayed through interpersonal and discipline-specific skills. Professionalism involves developing and demonstrating skills while displaying mutual trust, respect, responsibility, and accountability. Professionalism thrives in an environment that emphasizes supportiveness and ethical conduct. 

Those in formal leadership roles should model the highest standards of professional conduct. Leaders are excellent Listeners and brilliant at supporting and motivating their team in any way possible, which is allowable within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook. The development of relationships characterized by professionalism is the duty of all employees. All members of VHN can and should expect everyone at VHN to prepare appropriately for accomplishing tasks and fulfilling responsibilities.