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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.
A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?
When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace injury. Here are the steps we recommend: Thank them for letting you know about the injury and ask if they need medical...
Maine Law Alert: Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Services Poster Now Available
In June of 2023, Maine passed a law requiring that employers with more than 50 full-time equivalent employees display a yet-to-be-created poster about veterans’ benefits and services. Well, the time has come—it’s been created! This poster needs to be displayed in a...
What are whistleblower protections?
Whistleblowing occurs when an employee reports wrongdoing (dangerous, illegal, or unethical activity or practices by the company or its employees) either directly to the employer or to an outside authority. Many laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act,...
What’s the difference between a furlough and a layoff?
Answered by the HR Experts Furloughs and layoffs are ways to reduce labor costs during times of economic hardship. They both involve a loss of work for employees, but there is a key difference between them. A furlough continues employment but reduces scheduled hours...
A remote employee’s roommate has been disrupting their work to the point that their performance is suffering. How should we handle this?
Answered by the HR Experts This situation should be handled the same way you’d manage most work disruptions affecting an employee’s performance. Start by having a conversation with the employee about the disruption and explaining your concerns and performance...
We’ve had a request for a religious accommodation, but I think the employee wants to get out of following the policy for other reasons. How do I determine whether a religious belief is legitimate and sincerely held?
Ordinarily, you should assume that an employee’s request for a religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice. The definition of religion is broad and protects beliefs, observances, and practices you may not be familiar...
We’re not bound by any law requiring us to conduct background checks, but we choose to do them for all new hires. Should we also do them when we rehire an employee?
Answered by the HR Experts It’s up to you. Conducting a background check when hiring a former employee would keep the process simple and straightforward. Every exception you add to a process gives you something else to remember—and potentially forget! That said, you...
Law Alert: Annual OSHA Form 300A Posting
Annual OSHA Form 300A Posting Begins February 1, Expanded Electronic Reporting Due March 2 Form 300A Workplace Posting Begins February 1 Covered employers that had 11 or more employees at any point in 2023 are required to post Occupational Safety and Health...
Federal Law Alert: Federal DOL Reinstates Longstanding Independent Contractor Test
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published a final rule independent contractor classification under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Beginning on March 11, 2024, the rule will effectively reinstate the longstanding version of the "economic reality"...
What is mentoring in the workplace?
Answered by the HR Experts Mentoring is a professional relationship between a senior or more experienced employee (the mentor) and a newer or less experienced one (the mentee). The mentor shares their knowledge and experience, offering guidance, advice, feedback, and...
Can we store completed Forms I-9 electronically?
Answered by the HR Experts Yes, you can store completed Forms I-9 electronically. However, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services any electronic storage system must include the following: Reasonable controls to ensure the system’s integrity, accuracy, and...
Can we ask employees if they are taking any medications that may impair their abilities to do their job?
Answered by the HR Experts: Generally, no. The Americans with Disabilities Act restricts employers from asking medical questions of employees and protects the privacy of medical information. Asking about prescription medications would fall into the category of a...
Payroll Management, Inc.
550 Center Street STE 1210
P.O. Box 1837
Auburn, ME 04211-1837