This handbook serves as your guide to understanding our company’s policies and procedures. It’s also a resource to help you get started and make the most of your time here.
Hey, welcome to the team! We’re so excited to have you onboard at BLOCK.
We opened BLOCK with the mission of making workspaces for everyone to come together in an environment that inspires creativity and productivity. At BLOCK, we provide a hybrid that allows people to work as they want to, instead of, or in addition to, home working. Spaces to collaborate, innovate, socialise and relax are more important than ever and BLOCK have created spaces that enables businesses to think differently about how and where they work.
We wish you every success in your new job, and hope that you quickly feel at home; you’ll find the rest of your onboarding plan in your induction pack. But we encourage you to reach out to your new team and your Manager with questions.
01. Using Breathe HR
We use Breathe HR as our central hub for managing employee information, leave requests, expenses, and performance reviews.
1. Login Details: You will receive an email link from Breathe HR. Please click on the link to create your login credentials.
2. Update your profile: Login to Breathe and complete your profile with your contact details and emergency contact information.
3. Request time off: Navigate to the “Leave” section to request holidays and other time off.
4. Expenses: Navigate to “Expenses” to add an expense.
5. Review Documents: Access important documents like payslips.
02. Your First Week Checklist
1. Meet your manager and team members.
2. Set up your IT systems
3. Familiarise yourself with Breathe HR, SharePoint and other tools.
4. Review key company policies and ask questions.
03. Equal Opportunities
BLOCK is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability or background.
04. Code of Conduct
We expect all employees to act with professionalism and respect towards colleagues and clients.
• Professionalism: Treat colleagues and clients with respect and perform your duties responsibly.
• Respect: Harassment, discrimination, or bullying will not be tolerated. Foster an inclusive environment.
• Integrity: Act honestly and ethically.
• Confidentiality: Protect company information and avoid unauthorised disclosures.
• Safety: Follow safety protocols and report hazards.
• Attendance: Be punctual and communicate absences promptly.
• Adherence: Adhere to company policies at all times.
05. Probation Period
All new employees are subject to a three-month probation period, during which performance will be reviewed. This may be extended to six-months at the company’s discretion if additional time is needed to evaluate your progress. Your probation will only be considered complete once you receive a formal confirmation letter from BLOCK. If you have any questions about your probation period, please speak with your Manger or HR representative.
06. Pay Schedule
• Employees will be paid on the last working day of the month via direct debit.
• Any adjustments to pay will be communicated in advance.
07. Holiday Entitlement
• Full-time employees are entitled to 20 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Part-time employees will accrue holiday entitlement on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the hours they have worked.
08. Attendance & Time Off
• Reporting absences: Notify your manager as soon as possible if you are unable to attend work. Whenever possible, please report absences the night before to give us sufficient notice to make arrangements.
• Time off requests: Use Breathe HR to request annual leave.
• Unplanned leave: For sudden emergencies or illnesses, inform your manager at the earliest opportunity.
• Patterns of absence: Excessive or repeated absence without valid reason may lead to disciplinary action
09. Sick Leave
• Employee are entitled to statutory sick pay after completing their probationary period.
• Sick leave must be reported to your manager as soon as possible.
• A medical certificate is required for absences lasting longer than 3 days.
10. Dress Code
11. Pension Scheme
• Employees are automatically enrolled in our pension scheme after 3 months of employment.
• Contributions will be deducted from your salary, with additional contributions made by BLOCK.
• You may opt out of the pension scheme if desired, but this must be done within the specified enrolment period.
12. Use of Company Property
Ensure all office equipment, including laptops, printers and telephones, are used responsibly.
13. Maternity Policy
At BLOCK, we are committed to supporting employees during pregnancy and maternity leave according with UK law.
1. Eligibility: To qualify for SMP, an employee must:
• Have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.
• Earn an average of at least £123 per week.
• Inform and provide BLOCK with proof pregnancy.
2. Statutory Maternity Pay Details
• Duration: Paid for up to 39 weeks.
- The first 6 weeks (90% of your average weekly earnings) before tax.
- The remaining 33 weeks: Paid at the SMP rate (or 90% of your average weekly earnings if lower).
3. Notice Requirements:
Employees must:
• Notify BLOCK at least 28 days before they wish to start their SMP.
• Provide a MATB1 certificate from the doctor or midwife.
14. Health & Safety
• We are committed to maintaining a safe workplace. Please report any hazards or concerns to your Line Manager.
• Familiarise yourself with the building’s emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
• Keep all workspaces clean and tidy to maintain a safe environment.
• All accidents or injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to your Line Manager immediately.
15. Building Security & Access Control
• Keys/Fobs: Employees are issues with key/fobs to access the building. Do not share these with anyone unless authorised.
• Visitor Management: Visitors must sign in at reception and be escorted to their meeting or office space.
• Lost Property: Any lost property found should be handed to the front desk.
16. Communication & Feedback
We value open communication. Please use the following channels:
• Regular one-to-one meetings with your manager
• Monthly SLT meetings
17. IT & Data Protection
We value open communication. Please use the following channels:
1. Email & Internet use
• Company email accounts and internet access are for business use only. Personal use should be limited and appropriate.
2. Data Protection
• Employees must comply with GDPR and handle client and company data securely.
18. Policies specific to serviced office operations
1. Handling Client Keys & Access
• Employees must ensure all client keys and access fobs are stored securely. Unauthorised duplication or misuse of keys is strictly prohibited.
2. Maintenance Requests
• Log all maintenance issues reported by members to the Head of Operations promptly. Follow up with contractors or service providers to ensure a timely resolution.
19. Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
1. Disciplinary Action
• A clear process will be followed for addressing misconduct, including verbal warnings, written warnings and dismissal if necessary.
2. Grievances
• Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns with their manager or HR in a confidential manner.
20. Leaving the Company
1. Notice Periods
• Employees are required to provide 4 weeks-notice.
2. Return of Company Property
• All company property, including keys, access cards, uniform and laptops (if applicable) must be returned on your last working day.
Acknowledgement —
By signing the below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the policies outlined in the BLOCK Employee Handbook and agree to abide by them.
