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.

What are the penalties and costs for misclassifying employees?
Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: The answer will depend on a number of factors, such as how many employees are misclassified, how much extra money they would have been paid if properly classified, and whether or not lawyers or regulatory agencies get involved. Generally,...
Can we ask for more detail when an employee marks “personal” for the reason they’re requesting a vacation day?
Answer from Kate, SHRM-CP: You can generally ask employees to provide more information when they indicate that their vacation or PTO request is for personal reasons, but we don’t recommend it. The specific reasons for the day off shouldn’t affect whether you grant the...
Can we ask employees for proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: You can ask employees for proof that they’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, but you need to be careful about how you ask for it and what you do with the information. You should ask employees to provide proof that only includes their name,...
We’ve recently learned that one of our employees is planning to leave the company and has been applying for positions elsewhere. Can we terminate them?
Answer from Kelley, PHR: Terminating employment because an employee is looking for work elsewhere isn’t expressly prohibited by law, but we wouldn’t recommend it. You might be surprised by how many of your employees are looking for other opportunities—either actively...
One of our employees was arrested today. Can we terminate their employment?
Answer from Laura, SHRM-CP: We would recommend against terminating employment simply on the basis of an arrest. For one thing, the fact of an arrest is neither proof that criminal conduct occurred nor an indication that the arrested employee will be convicted of a...
An employee says that the stress of the job is affecting their mental health. How should we handle this?
Answer from Kyle, PHR: This employee may just need to talk through their concerns and get your help prioritizing or delegating. They may, for example, feel like every single thing on their to-do list is life-or-death by Friday at close of business, when that’s...
Payroll Management Featured as 2020 Member Spotlight by IPPA
We’re honored to be featured as a 2020 member spotlight by Independent Payroll Providers Association! In an effort to continuously grow and improve the services we provide you, Payroll Management belongs to a nationwide trade association made up of independent payroll...
Can I require employees to turn on their cameras during meetings?
Answer from Marisa, SPHR: Yes, generally, you can require employees to have their webcam on during meetings. You may, however, want to take things like low internet bandwidth, equipment failure, software incompatibility, mental health, environmental circumstances,...
Our company is closing today due to inclement weather. Are we required to pay employees for this day?
Answer from Kyle, PHR: The answer depends on whether the employees are exempt or nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees must still be paid when you close due to inclement weather. Nonexempt employees, however, only need to be paid for actual...
The American Rescue Plan Act is Signed into Law
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the latest bill to address the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19, has been signed into law. Most aspects of the law do not directly affect the HR function, but those that do—optional extension of sick and family leave...
How Important is an Updated Employee Handbook?
Does your employee handbook have a coating of dust on it? Was it last printed in 2008? If so, it’s probably time for an update. This important company asset is distributed to new employees during their onboarding and orientation, but it may be beneficial to you and...
Is There a Better Way to Pay Workers’ Compensation?
There is a better way to pay your workers’ compensation insurance premiums than being hit hard with a sizable one-time sum. You’ve heard murmurs around the metaphorical watercooler of a “pay-as-you-go” method of workers’ compensation payments—rumors that it can’t be...

Payroll Management, Inc.
550 Center Street STE 1210
P.O. Box 1837
Auburn, ME 04211-1837
