Blog
We’re the people behind payroll.
Payroll Management is a family-owned and operated independent payroll processing, HR, time and attendance, and tax support services provider for small and medium-sized businesses that want personalized service from real people.
Can we tell employees not to talk about their pay with each other?
Generally, no. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) grants all non-supervisory employees (not just those in unions) the right to organize and engage in “concerted activity” for the purpose of mutual aid or protection. Concerted means “in concert,” meaning more than...
One of our employees is returning from FMLA next month. Is it okay for their manager to contact them before they return?
Yes. Employer-initiated contact during a protected leave is permissible, but it should be minimal and limited to necessary updates (like relocation of the workplace or a change in operating hours), confirmation of return dates, or expressions of goodwill. Occasional,...
Law Alert: New York Requires Retail Workplace Violence Prevention Measures
New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act will take effect on June 2, 2025. The law will require employers with 10 or more retail employees (defined as those who work in retail stores) to adopt a written workplace violence prevention policy and provide employee training....
What are we required to provide for an employee who asks to pump breast milk at work?
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act, amended by the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), requires all employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for nursing employees to express breast milk. It...
Law Alert: NYC Requires Lactation Room Policies to Be Posted
Starting May 8, 2025, New York City’s lactation accommodation law will be updated to require employers with four or more employees to post their lactation room accommodation policy in a conspicuous place that’s accessible to all employees. The policy must also be...
Are You Required to Approve an Unpaid Leave for School?
An employee requested an unpaid leave of absence to complete their last semester of college. Do we have to approve it? If we don’t but still want to, what should we consider before approving the employee’s request? A leave of absence for educational purposes isn’t...
Can we have a mandatory retirement age?
With a few exceptions, no, you can’t have a mandatory retirement age. Forcing an employee age 40 or older to retire at a certain age would likely violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. You could, however, offer voluntary retirement plans or various...
Do I need to do anything when employees come to me to vent?
It depends on what they’re venting about. If they’re complaining about conduct that might be illegal, such as harassment or threats of violence, you’ll need to investigate. This is true even if the employee asks you not to take action. If the situation doesn’t pertain...
Federal Law Alert: New Version of Form I-9 Released – Don’t Panic!
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an updated Form I-9. However, employers can continue using the previous versions of the form. The Updates The new Form I-9 has the following changes: The term “noncitizen” was replaced...
Who should have access to employee files?
Whoever does HR in your organization will obviously need access since they’re responsible for updating employee information and making sure everything is compliant with employment laws. Many states also grant employees the right to view their own personnel files....
What does “quid pro quo” mean in the context of workplace harassment?
Quid pro quo—a Latin phrase meaning “this for that”—refers to a specific type of unlawful sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment can occur in two ways: The harasser promises an employee or applicant a promotion, raise, or other positive employment change in...
How to Reduce Distractions and Help Employees Focus in the Workplace
If your workplace is anything like ours, there are distractions aplenty vying for your attention. Audible conversations. Constant notifications on computer screens and phones. Squeaky chairs. Laundry—if you work at home. Things going on in your personal life....
Payroll Management, Inc.
550 Center Street STE 1210
P.O. Box 1837
Auburn, ME 04211-1837
