Welcome to Pyrrhic Press

At Pyrrhic Press, we are passionate about democratizing knowledge through open-access publishing. Our organizational policies reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, ethical, and innovative work environment that aligns with our mission. We prioritize transparency, employee well-being, professional growth, and community engagement.

1. Workplace Well-being & Culture

Well-being & Vaccine Policy

At Pyrrhic Press, we understand that well-being is central to employee satisfaction and productivity. We support a holistic approach to health, respecting individual choices while fostering a healthy work culture.

• Vaccine Policy: We do not mandate vaccines as a condition of employment, respecting individual rights and informed personal health decisions. We encourage employees to consult healthcare professionals and provide informational resources to support informed choices. While vaccination is not required, we maintain a safe working environment through:
  • Remote Work Options: As a remote-first company, employees can work from home or a location of their choice, reducing exposure risks and supporting personal comfort.
  • Hygiene & Sanitation: We maintain high sanitation standards during on-site events or gatherings, providing protective equipment, sanitizers, and regular cleaning.
  • Health Awareness: Employees receive regular updates on public health guidelines, enabling proactive personal and workplace safety measures.

Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-being

Pyrrhic Press promotes a balanced, supportive environment where employees can prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health.

• Physical Well-being: Employees are encouraged to take regular breaks and utilize PTO for rest and rejuvenation. We offer ergonomic guidance for home office setups and fitness incentives, such as reimbursements for gym memberships or wellness classes.
• Mental Health Support: Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees have access to confidential mental health services, including counseling, therapy sessions, stress management resources, and crisis intervention support.
• Emotional Well-being & Self-Care: We encourage self-care by providing mindfulness programs, wellness workshops, and “mental health days” to allow employees to step back, reflect, and recharge. Team leaders also foster open conversations about emotional well-being, offering support and resources as needed.

Work-Life Balance

We believe that employees perform their best when they can balance work with personal commitments.

• Flexible Work Hours: We offer flexible scheduling, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times to suit personal needs, promoting a results-focused culture rather than a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.
• Remote-First Policy: Employees have the option to work from anywhere, promoting better work-life integration. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for parents, caregivers, and those managing personal commitments.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): We provide ample vacation days, personal days, and public holidays to ensure that employees can take time off for rest, family needs, or personal development without guilt.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

Our DEI policy is central to Pyrrhic Press’s culture and operations, ensuring a respectful, fair, and inclusive environment for all employees.

• Diverse Representation: We actively promote diverse hiring practices to create a workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. We partner with diversity-focused organizations and educational institutions to expand our reach to underrepresented talent.
• Equity in Opportunities: We ensure equal access to career growth, training, and promotion opportunities. Support includes mentorship programs, leadership development for underrepresented groups, and equitable salary reviews to prevent disparities.
• Inclusive Work Environment: We foster a culture of open dialogue, where employees are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and contribute to decision-making. We support the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to provide safe spaces for discussion, community building, and advocacy within the workplace.
• Anti-Discrimination & Harassment: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination or harassment, whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. We provide multiple reporting channels and ensure thorough, confidential investigations to address issues promptly.

Professional Development Programs

We believe in empowering our employees through continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Skill Enhancement: Employees have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including workshops, online courses, and certifications that enhance publishing skills, digital content creation, data analysis, and project management.
• In-House Training: We host regular training sessions led by industry experts, covering topics like ethical publishing practices, digital tools, and emerging trends in open-access publishing. Employees can also request specialized training tailored to their roles.
• Mentorship Programs: Our structured mentorship program connects new employees with experienced team members, providing guidance, career advice, and support for navigating the publishing landscape.
• Career Advancement Pathways: We provide clear career progression pathways, with transparent promotion criteria based on performance, skills, and contributions to organizational growth. Employees also receive career coaching, helping them develop personalized plans for professional development.

Compensation & Benefits Policy

Pyrrhic Press offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent.

• Competitive Salary: We conduct regular salary reviews to ensure fair, market-aligned compensation, rewarding performance and supporting career advancement.
• Performance-Based Bonuses: We offer bonuses based on individual contributions, team achievements, and overall company success, promoting a culture of recognition and reward.
• Health Insurance: Our health benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support services. Employees also have access to telemedicine and wellness programs for convenient, proactive care.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer retirement plans with employer-matched contributions, helping employees plan for a secure financial future. Financial planning resources and retirement education programs are available to maximize benefits.
• Parental Leave & Family Support: We provide paid parental leave to support new parents, along with flexible schedules to accommodate caregiving responsibilities. We also offer resources for child care, elder care, and family counseling.

2. Ethical & Sustainable Publishing Practices

Ethical Publishing Guidelines

Pyrrhic Press adheres to the highest standards of ethical publishing, promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our publications.

• Plagiarism Prevention: We use advanced plagiarism detection tools to ensure the originality of all submissions. Authors are required to properly cite sources, ideas, and data that are not their own.
• Copyright & Licensing: Authors retain copyright of their work, granting open-access licenses to allow wider dissemination. We offer various open-access licensing options, including Creative Commons licenses, which allow for appropriate sharing and adaptation.
• Fair Peer Review: Our peer-review process is transparent, unbiased, and constructive. Reviewers are selected based on expertise, and authors are given opportunities to respond to feedback, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing the quality of published work.

Open-Access Principles

Pyrrhic Press is dedicated to advancing open-access publishing to make scholarly knowledge freely available to all.

• Global Accessibility: All Pyrrhic Press publications are available online without subscription fees or paywalls, maximizing access for researchers, educators, and the public.
• Author Rights & Licensing: We guide authors in choosing appropriate licenses that retain their rights while enabling broad distribution. Authors have the option to share datasets and supplementary materials openly, enhancing research visibility and impact.
• Cost Transparency: We provide clear information on publication fees and offer fee waivers or discounts to authors from low-income backgrounds, reducing barriers to participation.
• Reader Benefits: Open access increases citation potential, global reach, and engagement, benefiting both authors and readers. We also ensure compliance with accessibility standards, making content usable for readers with disabilities.

Sustainability Policy

Our commitment to sustainability extends across all operations, aligning with environmentally responsible practices.

• Digital-First Distribution: By prioritizing digital formats, we reduce paper use and the environmental impact associated with print distribution.
• Eco-Friendly Operations: We promote energy-efficient workflows, virtual collaboration, and recycling of office equipment. Employees are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, whether working remotely or on-site.
• Green Publishing Initiatives: We engage with partners and organizations that promote eco-friendly publishing solutions, contributing to the development of sustainable standards in the industry.

3. Safe, Respectful, & Secure Work Environment

Anti-Harassment & Workplace Safety Policy

We are committed to maintaining a respectful, harassment-free workplace.

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: All forms of harassment, including verbal, physical, or digital, are prohibited. We provide multiple reporting channels, including anonymous options, ensuring that employees can report incidents safely and confidentially.
• Workplace Safety: We implement safety protocols for digital security, physical events, and remote workspaces. Employees receive training on secure communication, data protection, and emergency procedures, ensuring safety across all work environments.

Data Privacy & Security Policy

We prioritize the protection of personal data, maintaining compliance with global data protection laws.

• GDPR & CCPA Compliance: We ensure that all data is processed lawfully, transparently, and securely. Employees have access to clear guidelines on data handling, protection, and user rights.
• Cybersecurity Measures: We use industry-standard encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure cloud storage to protect personal and professional data. Regular security audits and updates keep our systems and communications safe.

Remote Work & Digital Communication Policy

As a remote-first organization, Pyrrhic Press supports seamless collaboration and effective communication.

• Remote Work Support: Employees receive guidance and resources for setting up productive, secure home offices. We offer stipends for office equipment, ensuring comfort and safety.
• Digital Collaboration Tools: We use tools like Slack, Zoom, and project management software to maintain communication and manage workflows. Regular virtual team-building events, check-ins, and feedback sessions foster engagement and connection.

Ethical AI & Technology Use Policy

We use AI to enhance operations responsibly and transparently.

• Responsible AI Use: AI supports editorial processes like plagiarism detection, language enhancement, and analytics, but decisions are always overseen by human editors.
• Transparency & Fairness: We disclose AI use to authors, reviewers, and readers, ensuring ethical implementation and maintaining trust.

4. Social Responsibility & Community Engagement

Social Responsibility Policy

We are committed to positive social impact through educational outreach and community involvement.

• Educational Initiatives: We provide free resources, workshops, and scholarships that promote open-access education, especially in underrepresented communities.
• Supporting Marginalized Authors: We offer mentorship, fee waivers, and guidance to authors from diverse backgrounds, actively promoting inclusive scholarship.
• Volunteering & Community Engagement: Employees are encouraged to volunteer for causes aligned with our mission, with paid volunteer days supporting active participation.

Pyrrhic Press’s policies are designed to foster a positive, inclusive, and ethical work environment that aligns with our commitment to open-access publishing. We support our employees’ well-being, professional growth, and engagement in impactful work.

For questions or more information, please contact editor@pyrrhicpress.org.