Employment Policies and Practices

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Employer. Sundog Media is the employer of 32-40 hour salaried employees and part‐time salaried employees. An employee is hired, provided compensation and applicable benefits, and has his or her work directed and evaluated by Sundog Media.

SETTING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

All of us can have input and can improve in the area of setting customer expectations, good communications and opening the dialog in a positive way.

We believe a company that does reasonable work but has great communication skills will outlast and out perform a company that does great work but does not take care of the ‘communication, expectations and relational aspect’ of business. At Sundog Media, we want to provide both… Great work & great communications! Here is the basis of our policy on setting good expectations and maintaining good communication.

Do not be shy about talking money or that time costs with customers. Over the years we’ve learned it is crucial that we are not shy about saying things like:

That ‘xx’ will take longer than we proposed.
Sure, we can do that but it falls outside of your content maintenance plan and we will need to give an estimate of cost or upgrade your plan.

Which…. brings me to the next important point…

It is crucial that we are aware of the expectations of the customer and our team’s promises… These are outlined on each Basecamp project overview page. Always ask yourself – Is this part of a plan or a Bid? If you are going to be doing a big chunk of work on a project, take the time to make sure you understand what has been promised to the customer – it only take a few minutes to read the proposals – they are all online in Fort Knox, Sundog Media’s online customer database – or just ask the account manager.

If any of you gives a timeline, estimate of hours or, in any way, gives your word to do something then strive hard to honor your word… If you are going to go beyond the estimate time or hours, then give them a heads up before it happens… Prior to going over the estimated budget or timeline, talk to the person you have communicated the expectation to.

Make decisions based on Sundog Media profitability. Of course I want to perform what we have proposed and put out a great product, but it is crucial that we pay attention to what was promised so that we can account for changes or a creep in scope. So… if it says they just want a Paypal donations button and it turns into a online registration form or unique solution – don’t just give service away – talk money, time and expectations first.

Don’t be shy – Drop status reports to customers about what you are doing so they know work is progressing. Remember – service is not just doing the work but communicating with the customer. If we are open with the customers, they are very gracious with timelines. If any of you have any suggestions or words of wisdom in regards to improving expectations and communications as a team and with our customers, please let Joe Law, Cathy Law or management know.

WORK PLACE SAFETY

Sundog Media expects all employees to keep their home offices safe for work and to take the necessary steps to prevent injuring themselves and others. To this end, please:
Use common sense in coming to, going from and around your home office, both inside & outside.
If something appears it could be dangerous and you can safely fix it yourself, do so immediately. If not, notify Joe or Cathy immediately so we can have it changed or fixed.
Keep your office space clear of items that could present a slip or trip hazard. i.e.. cords should be secured, papers picked up off floors, spills wiped up immediately.
Keep office space adequately lit so you can see what is around you.
Adjust monitor(s) angle, brightness & contrast for optimal viewing.
Seat chair firmly on all legs & adjust height to prevent bodily strain.
Apply the 20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, get up to stretch your muscles and focus your eyes on something 20 ft or more away.
Keep path & stairs to office entry clear of ice & snow using gravel & ice melt.

WORK RELATED INJURY OR ILLNESS / WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

If you, a Sundog Media employee, believe you have been injured or become ill as a result of services performed in the capacity as an employee of Sundog Media, you are required to immediately notify Joe or Cathy Law, of Sundog Media 907-338-1847. If you are unable to inform us immediately, you must notify us no later than 30 days after your injury occurred or illness began. Your injury or illness must also be recorded & reported to the Workers’ Compensation Division.

Delayed filing of the forms required by the Workers’ Compensation Division may result in delay of payment / compensation. Workers’ Compensation policy states you will not be paid compensation for lost wages for the first 3 days off work unless your disability lasts more than 28 days.

Alaska, Colorado, and Idaho Workers Compensation are both currently provided through State Farm Insurance. Sundog Media’s Workers Compensation Policy Number is 92MPA028-9.

Business Information:
Sundog Media LLC
5033 Sillary Circle
Anchorage, AK 99508

To report a work related injury, gather the information below as noted on the workers_comp_telephone_worksheet in Basecamp Employee forms.

Call the Workers Compensation Injury Reporting Line 1-907-272-6442 to report any work related injury.