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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.
One of our employees refuses to sign the employee handbook. What should we do?
Start with a conversation to understand the employee’s concerns. It’s possible they believe their signing the handbook means they agree with everything in it. Make sure to explain that their signature only acknowledges that they’ve read and understood it. If that...
An employee requested to work remotely as an accommodation so they can be home with a child who is disabled. Do we have to provide this accommodation under the ADA?
No, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t require that employers provide accommodations to employees because they have a family member who is disabled. You’re only required to provide an accommodation under the ADA when the employee themselves has a...
Law Alert: Oregon Minimum Wage Increase
Effective July 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wages in Oregon will increase as follows: Portland Metro: $16.30 Standard: $15.05 Nonurban Counties: $14.05 You can review a minimum wage map here and see the schedule of increases here.
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...
Law Alert: New York Increases Jury Duty Pay
Beginning June 8, 2025, the daily rate for jury duty in New York state will increase from $40 to $72. As was the case before, employers with 11 or more employees must pay employees the daily rate for each of their first three days of jury service. Employees of smaller...
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...
Payroll Management, Inc.
550 Center Street STE 1210
P.O. Box 1837
Auburn, ME 04211-1837
