Statement of Policy
At Bliss Bowls & Smoothies, it is our policy and commitment to provide and
promote equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture rooted in our shared
values—emphasizing the quality of our products and services, the importance
of collaboration, and the expectation that all individuals treat one another with
professionalism, dignity, fairness, and respect. Accordingly, all employees are
expected to understand, uphold, and implement the principles of equal
employment opportunity, as well as the policies of non-discrimination and non-
harassment, in every aspect of their work..
Prohibition on Discrimination and Harassment
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies is committed to maintaining a workplace free from
discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote,
compensate, and administer all employment practices without regard to race,
color, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, marital status, religion, medical
condition, national origin, disability unrelated to the ability to perform essential
job functions, or membership in any category protected by federal, state, or
local laws.
Harassment or discriminatory treatment of employees or applicants based on
any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Bliss
Bowls & Smoothies will respond promptly and appropriately to any reported
incidents, and all complaints will be taken seriously and addressed in good
faith.
We believe that every employee has the right to work in an environment that
is free from harassment, discriminatory behavior, offensive jokes, or
derogatory remarks. Such behavior is inconsistent with our core values,
detrimental to our workplace culture, and may expose the company to legal
liability.
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies holds all employees to a standard of conduct that
exceeds the minimum requirements of applicable law. Even if certain actions
do not constitute a legal violation, they may still violate company policy and
warrant disciplinary measures. Any employee found to have engaged in
conduct that breaches this policy will be subject to corrective action, up to and
including termination of employment.
Conduct Constituting Prohibited Sexual or Discriminatory Harassment
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of
harassment, including sexual harassment and other unprofessional or
inappropriate conduct. This applies even when such conduct may not meet
the legal threshold of unlawful harassment. The company’s commitment to
fostering a workplace grounded in respect, dignity, and professionalism
means that all employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of
behavior at all times.
Sexual harassment, as well as any behavior that is sexually suggestive,
discriminatory, or unprofessional in nature, is strictly prohibited. The following
examples illustrate conduct that is inconsistent with our workplace standards
and are forbidden under this policy, regardless of whether such conduct is
based on gender, results in an adverse employment action, or creates a
legally defined hostile work environment:
Prohibited Conduct Includes, But Is Not Limited To:
a) Quid Pro Quo Harassment: Conditioning employment benefits—such as
salary, job assignments, shifts, promotions, or schedules—on the granting of
sexual favors or the continuation of a personal relationship, or suggesting that
such benefits are contingent on such actions.
b) Attribution Based on Gender or Protected Class: Making statements or
implications that an employee’s performance is due to their gender or
membership in a protected class under federal, state, or local law.
c) Rumors of Improper Advancement: Stating or implying that an
employee’s promotion or career advancement is a result of a sexual
relationship or favor, rather than merit.
d) Hostile Work Environment: Engaging in conduct that unreasonably
interferes with another employee’s ability to perform their job or creates an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies recognizes that the impact of behavior on the
recipient is often more important than the intent of the person engaging in
such conduct. Therefore, employees must be aware that behavior perceived
as offensive by another may violate this policy, even if the conduct was not
intended to offend. Any individual who initiates or continues such behavior
assumes full responsibility and risk for violating this policy and may be subject
to corrective action, regardless of intent.
We believe that every employee has the right to work in an environment free
from harassment, inappropriate joking, derogatory comments, and any other
form of discriminatory conduct. Such behaviors are not only contrary to the
core values of Bliss Bowls & Smoothies but may also expose the company to
legal liability. Our internal policy establishes standards that go beyond what is
required by federal, state, and local laws by prohibiting any discriminatory or
harassing conduct, even if it does not rise to the level of a legal violation.
Disciplinary Action:
Any employee found to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Conduct Constituting Sexual or Discriminatory Conduct, Joking, or
Epithets
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies strictly prohibits any form of sexual or discriminatory
conduct, including jokes, language, or actions that violate the dignity of
individuals in the workplace. The following examples illustrate behaviors that
are unacceptable and prohibited under this policy. While not exhaustive, this
list serves to clarify the types of conduct that are considered inappropriate,
regardless of whether they are intended as jokes or casual remarks:
a) Possession of Offensive Materials: Employees are prohibited from
bringing any materials or items onto company premises that are sexually
explicit, offensive, or discriminatory in nature—even if the items are presented
or intended as humorous.
b) Posting Inappropriate Content: Posting or displaying any discriminatory,
offensive, or sexually explicit materials on company property—including
bulletin boards, work documents, or via company systems such as email,
voicemail, or internal platforms—is strictly forbidden.
c) Defacing Property: Defacing company property or another individual’s
personal belongings with material that is sexually offensive or discriminatory,
even under the guise of humor, is prohibited.
d) Offensive Jokes and Language: Making or repeating sexually explicit or
discriminatory jokes, slurs, or epithets in the workplace, or when referring to or
speaking about any individual (employee or non-employee), is not tolerated.
e) Harassment Based on Protected Characteristics: Harassing or targeting
any individual based on sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, age,
national origin, religion, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic
protected under applicable law is strictly prohibited.
f) Distribution of Offensive Content: The circulation, display, or
dissemination of any offensive or inappropriate material—such as
pornography or content that demeans an individual or group based on
protected status—through company systems (email, voicemail, internal mail,
etc.) or within the physical workspace is expressly forbidden.
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies is committed to maintaining a professional and
respectful workplace environment. Any employee found to be in violation of
this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Application of the Policy to Non-Company Employees
The policies of Bliss Bowls & Smoothies regarding harassment,
discrimination, and professional conduct extend beyond internal employee
interactions. These standards apply equally to all interactions between
employees and individuals who are not employed by the company, including
but not limited to customers, vendors, contractors, and members of the public.
In addition, this policy applies to any non-employee who conducts business
with Bliss Bowls & Smoothies, is present on company premises, or engages
with a Bliss Bowls & Smoothies employee while that employee is performing
their job duties. All such individuals are expected to uphold the same
standards of respect, professionalism, and appropriate conduct.
Any violations of this policy involving non-employees will be addressed
appropriately to maintain a safe and respectful working environment for all.
Procedure Upon Occurrence of Prohibited Conduct
Employees who believe they have been subjected to, or have witnessed, any
form of discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy have the
unequivocal right to seek immediate intervention and resolution. Bliss Bowls &
Smoothies is committed to maintaining a workplace where such conduct is not
tolerated, and prompt action will be taken to address any concerns raised.
Every employee shares the responsibility for preventing and addressing
discrimination and harassment. Employees must refrain from engaging in any
behavior that could reasonably be perceived as discriminatory or harassing,
and should communicate clearly if another individual’s conduct is unwelcome
or inappropriate. Furthermore, employees are encouraged to support and
protect their colleagues by speaking up when witnessing such behavior.
All employees are expected to promptly report any conduct that may violate
this policy—before it becomes severe or pervasive. Reports may be made
regardless of whether the reporting individual is the direct target of the
conduct. Observers or bystanders who witness inappropriate behavior are
also encouraged to report concerns.
Complaints may be submitted at any time and will be treated seriously and
with discretion. Bliss Bowls & Smoothies is committed to taking appropriate
action to investigate and resolve all reported concerns in a timely and
confidential manner.
Reporting Procedures
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies is committed to promptly addressing any behavior
that violates its policies on harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
conduct. Employees who witness or experience conduct inconsistent with this
policy are expected to report the incident immediately using the procedures
outlined below.
To ensure accessibility and accountability, Bliss Bowls & Smoothies provides
multiple reliable avenues for submitting complaints. All complaints must be
submitted in writing and may be directed to any of the following individuals:
● Any Shift Leader or Manager
● Any Senior Member of Management
● Any Owner of the Company
● Human Resources Manager
All reports will be handled with the highest degree of seriousness and
confidentiality. Upon receipt of a complaint—or in any instance where Bliss
Bowls & Smoothies becomes aware of a potential policy violation—a prompt,
thorough, and impartial investigation will be conducted.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant will be informed of the
outcome, regardless of the findings, to ensure transparency and
communication. Should the investigation determine that a policy violation has
occurred, appropriate corrective measures will be taken without delay. Such
measures may include disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment.
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies reserves the right to take disciplinary action in
response to conduct that violates company policy, even if the behavior does
not meet the legal definition of harassment or discrimination under federal,
state, or local law.
No Retaliation
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against
employees who, in good faith, report violations of this policy or participate in
the investigation of such reports. Retaliation undermines the integrity of our
workplace and the reporting process, and it will not be tolerated under any
circumstances.
This non-retaliation policy extends to any individual who makes a complaint of
harassment, discrimination, or other inappropriate conduct, as well as to those
who provide information, act as witnesses, or otherwise cooperate in an
investigation. All employees, including supervisors and managers, are
prohibited from taking any adverse employment action—such as demotion,
reduction in hours, denial of promotion, reassignment, or termination—against
any individual for engaging in protected reporting or cooperation.
Any act of retaliation will be treated as a serious violation of company policy.
Employees found to have engaged in retaliatory conduct will be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies is committed to ensuring that all employees feel safe
and supported when bringing forward concerns, and we will take all necessary
steps to protect the rights and well-being of those involved in the reporting or
investigative process.
False Accusations
Bliss Bowls & Smoothies takes all complaints seriously and is committed to
conducting thorough and impartial investigations. However, if an investigation
determines that a complaint was knowingly made with malicious intent or was
deliberately false, the individual who made the false accusation will be subject
to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of Employment.
