GEC Employee Handbook
About the GEC
The GEC is a global multi-award-winning grassroots movement of over 13,000 changemakers and a collective of 300-plus DEI subject matter experts. The GEC also created the world’s first D&I platform for schools and educational organisations, which is a knowledge-based, self-evaluation, framework and benchmarking tool to audit and improve cultural health at scale. Following a leadership-led Self-Assessment process, ‘GEC Platform’ members then access 360°, academically tested surveys for both Staff and Students, capturing their unique perspectives and needs like never before. Analytical results are provided alongside QAed recommendations, for every question and statement, together with an action plan to drive improvement for their very own inclusive and positive culture-based ecosystem.
Please read our manifesto and values here.
Your everyday GEC life
Live your life and do your work with GEC Values in your heart and mind. Working together as a team is at the centre of what we do: in the way we communicate, show each other respect and always search for better ways to delight our members and community.
At the GEC you’ll see that we have a weekly meeting to share ideas and updates. This keeps the communication and ideas flowing. Everyone at the GEC from the top down is available to chat with, ask questions of or share ideas with at any time. Don’t be shy – everyone has something important to say.
Bring the true you
At the GEC, we celebrate diversity. It doesn’t matter what your age, background, sex, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, level of experience or how well you cut moves on the dance floor. We show each other respect. We value people for the way they behave and the contributions they make. We appreciate the special colour each individual brings to our life. We want you to be comfortable and proud to bring your true self to work each and every day.
Remote working and your workspace
The GEC is a remote company and we understand that this can sometimes be lonely and isolating. We therefore encourage connection via WhatsApp and/ or Google Meet on a daily basis - even if that is for updates and little wins.
We still believe face-to-face interactions are important for building relationships with the team, sparking new ideas, and rallying around team goals, so every now and then, there will be days where you are required to attend face to face meetings and team building days. The location of these will vary.
We believe the added freedom of remote work also comes with the added responsibility of being dependable and communicative with your team, and our wider community regardless of where you are working.
You are responsible for your own workspace at home, so please go to any lengths in order to make that as comfortable as possible.
Dress code
The GEC policy is that you must wear something! What you wear is up to you. Use good judgement, wear what’s comfortable for you, and importantly ensure it is appropriate to the situation and express your unique style and personality. It’s OK to let the real you shine at GEC.
Working hours
The GEC’s normal office hours are flexible and personal to each staff member, however we request that your core hours are communicated with the team. There may be times when you are required to work outside these hours. Your working hours may vary from time to time by mutual agreement.
Like many things at the GEC, with flexibility comes responsibility. We don’t expect you to punch in and out of a time clock; we trust your judgement and expect you to do the right thing. However, we do ask that you track your time using Toggl Track so that we can improve work distribution. It is important that you communicate with the team so that people can count on you and understand your schedule.
Internet, Email and Social Media
It is ok to access your personal accounts at work. But, we expect you to act responsibly and ensure your productivity isn’t affected.
We ask you to be careful when posting on social media, too. We can’t restrict what you post there, but we expect you to keep our work confidential unless you are reposting our announcements. If ever in doubt - check! We are proud that you are GECing!
We also caution you to avoid violating our anti-harassment policies or posting something that might make your collaboration with your colleagues more difficult (e.g. hate speech against groups where colleagues belong to). In general, please:
Ensure others know that your personal account or statements don’t represent our company. You shouldn’t state or imply that your personal opinions and content are authorised or endorsed by our company. We advise using a disclaimer such as “opinions are my own” to avoid misunderstandings.
Avoid sharing intellectual property like trademarks on a personal account without approval. Confidentiality policies and laws always apply.
Avoid any defamatory, offensive or derogatory content. It may be considered as a violation of our company’s anti-harassment policy, if directed towards colleagues, clients or partners.
Sick days
Please inform the team as soon as you can and have some rest. Keep the team updated on how you are feeling and when you think you will be able to return to work.
Taking days off/ holiday
Please inform the team in advance before taking days off. If you are planning a longer break, please contact the COO so that they can keep the team informed and make sure that your work is covered. More details are below.
For 1-2 days off:
Get approval from your line manager at least 3 days in advance then inform the team. For urgent leave, please contact your line manager for a case-by-case review.
For 3-5 days off:
Get approval from your line manager at least 10 days in advance then inform the team. For urgent leave, please contact your manager for a case-by-case review
For 6+ days off:
Get approval from your line manager at least 2 weeks in advance then inform your team. For urgent leave, please contact your line manager for a case-by-case review.
Salary and wages
Employees
The salary we’ve agreed with you is outlined in your employment agreement and should be regarded as confidential. You should not disclose your salary or wages to anyone within The Company other than your immediate manager. If you are an employee, full details of the breakdown of your salary or wage payment will be shown on your payslip which will be given to you on, or just after, payday. Your salary or wages are accrued throughout the month and paid the day before the end of the month into your nominated bank account. If the day before the end of the month is on a weekend or holiday, the money will be transferred to your account on the Friday, or the day before the holiday, whichever is applicable.
Freelancers
The hourly rate we’ve agreed with you is outlined in your freelance employment agreement and should be regarded as confidential. You should not disclose your wages to anyone within The Company other than your immediate manager. If you are freelance, you should submit your invoice at the end of the month at the agreed hourly rate, and it will be paid alongside those on salary on the last working day of the month.
Performance review process
Your performance will be reviewed every 12 months and we will discuss specific areas of strength, areas for growth and future goals. You may be asked to fill out an employee self assessment form beforehand. An agenda will be shared with you in advance of the meeting. Reviews will not necessarily lead to an increase in salary.
GEC Policies
You can find our Policies here.