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.
If we get called for a reference, can we just verify the former employee’s dates of employment?
Answer from Kyle, PHR: Yes, it’s up to you how much or how little you share about a former employee. There’s no legal requirement to supply employment references for former employees. If you do share any information, it should be fair and accurate. Many organizations...
Vermont Increases Minimum Wage
On January 1, 2023, Vermont’s minimum wage will increase to $13.18 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will increase to $6.59 per hour. Vermont's minimum wage applies to employers that have two or more employees. Employers with one employee can pay...
Massachusetts Law Alert
Massachusetts Increases Minimum Wage and Ends Premium Pay The following wage and hour changes will take effect on January 1, 2023. Minimum Wage Massachusetts’s minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will increase to...
New York Law Alert
New York 2023 New Year Update: Paid Family Leave, COVID Vaccination Leave, and Minimum Wages and Salaries The following changes to New York employment law cover employers of all sizes. PAID FAMILY LEAVE EXPANDED TO COVER SIBLINGS Beginning on January 1, 2023, eligible...
Federal Law Alert: Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Increases
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for work performed on or in connection with federal contracts will increase as follows: For contracts covered by Executive Order 13658: the minimum wage will increase to $12.15 per hour and the minimum base wage for...
Do we have to get permission to run a background check?
Answer from Jenny, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: The short answer is yes: the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to get permission from your applicant or employee before conducting a background check. Aside from this legal requirement, telling applicants what to expect...
Can employers provide feedback on a potential hire’s or current employee’s clothing?
Answer from Eric, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: If an employee’s clothing does not conform to your personal appearance rules or dress code policy, you can certainly let the employee know, ask them to change, and discipline them for violating the policy. Regarding job applicants, we...
Three Ways to Make Holidays More Inclusive
The office holiday party is a time-honored tradition: readers of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol may remember the Christmas party hosted by Ebenezer Scrooge’s old boss, Nigel Fezziwig. While the look and feel of these end-of-year holiday parties have changed since...
Can I require applicants to have a high school diploma?
Answer from Rachel, SHRM-SCP: We recommend that you not require applicants to have a high school diploma unless you can demonstrate that the requirement is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Requiring a diploma when it's unrelated to the position can...
A new employee told coworkers that she received a signing bonus. Now they’re upset, saying they’ve been here longer and haven’t gotten anything extra. What should I do?
Answer from Janelle, SHRM-CP, SHRM-PMQ: First, don’t reprimand the new employee who shared her salary information. Discussing pay is a protected concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act. You can read about this law and what protections it provides to...
An employee let us know their paycheck was short. Can we wait to pay the difference on their next check?
Answer from Kyle, PHR: Don’t wait. If the employee was underpaid, it is in your best interest to pay the employee the difference immediately. Wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period covered, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. State law may...
What are protected classes or characteristics?
Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: Protected classes—also known as protected characteristics—come from several federal laws, though about half are from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although we’re usually talking about them with respect to employment, they may...
Payroll Management, Inc.
550 Center Street STE 1210
P.O. Box 1837
Auburn, ME 04211-1837
