Frequently Asked Questions

We like to be transparent with our clients from the start of our partnership, so we've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought of (and some you may not) that we get asked most frequently.

HR Q&A -What Is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A Flexible Spending Account is a special type of savings account you can set up through your employer (if they offer it). It allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to use on eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and even dependent care expenses. The “pre-tax” part is key—it…

HR Q&A – Should I Include a Pay Range in a Job Description?

It depends very much on the position and the Industry. Including a pay range in job postings, even when not legally required, has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide: Pros of Including a Pay Range Transparency and Trust: Including a pay range fosters transparency, which can…

Why Does a Recent Texas Federal Court’s Ruling Affect Me?

This ruling has far-reaching implications for both employers and employees across the Nation, requiring adjustments in payroll management and employee communications. So what happened? On November 15, 2024, a Texas federal court issued a significant ruling that invalidated the Department of Labor’s (DOL) attempt to increase the minimum salary for exempt…

HR Q&A – What Should Be Included in Job Descriptions?

Job descriptions should have several key areas addressed within the posting from job title and responsibilities to skills and company culture. Let’s face it, if you send out a generic job description, you’re basically saying: “We’re going to treat you like a number from Day One”. A well-crafted job description is…

HR Q&A – Should I Talk About Politics at Work?

Politics at work can be a sensitive topic and often depends on the company’s policies, the workplace culture, and the legal framework of the State. To say the political discourse has been ramped up in the past few months would be like watching a simmering pot suddenly boil over..it demands attention…

HR Q&A – Whose Laws Should We Follow for Remote Employees?

Generally, the state law where the employee physically works is the primary jurisdiction. This affects employment laws, tax obligations, and benefits. Pretty much everyone of us have remote employees one way or another these days. Question is, When hiring a remote employee, determining which state’s laws to follow can be complex,…

HR Q&A – Are Employees Scared To Review Their Managers?

Yes, many are and it’s up to us as employers’ to make sure they have a safe environment to do so. Have you ever been in a work situation where you didn’t feel you could be completely honest in case of retribution? I have, worse still, I’ve seen it play out…

HR Q&A – Hold an Employee’s Job While Out on Medical Leave?

Managing an employee’s job while they are on medical leave requires a delicate balance between adhering to legal obligations and supporting the employee’s health and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of key considerations and best practices taken froma Q&A within our HR Resource Center by Mineral: Legal Obligations Family and Medical…

HR Q&A – Can We Ask Applicants if They Have a Car?

Generally, it’s not recommended to ask applicants directly if they own a car or have a working vehicle, as this could be seen as discriminatory. Here’s some other tips related to this intriguing question. Questions about vehicle ownership may be viewed as probing into an applicant’s financial information, which could lead…

What Is Prevailing Wage?

A question we often we get asked! Prevailing wage is a standardized rate for wages and benefits that certain employers must pay their workers, typically on government-funded projects or when employing foreign workers. Here are the key points about prevailing wage: Definition: It’s the hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime paid…

Do You Take Your Daily ‘Minerals’?

You know that gym membership you sign up for but rarely use? That’s sometimes how we feel about this amazing ‘HR by Mineral’ tool for our clients. It’s always there for you, just not often used. Lot’s of daily updates on laws and general HR advice. So who and what is…

Is Your Software User Friendly?

Yes. At APlus it’s not just our people that are friendly…our software is too! We offer a streamlined and intuitive platform designed to make payroll management a breeze both for employer and employee. Let’s dive into the key features that make our software an essential tool for payroll professionals and explore…

Does Taking FMLA Intermittently Affect Employee Health Benefits?

No. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is explicit on this matter: you must ensure that an employee’s health coverage remains intact under any group health plan, just as if they were continuously working full-time throughout the leave period. Understanding employment benefits can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected life events…

What Are the Hidden Costs of “Free”?

The lure of free services is everywhere—from free payroll services to complimentary trial subscriptions. While these offers can seem like a risk-free way to explore new products, they often come with hidden costs or compromises that can catch companies and consumers off guard. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the…

How Do We Pay an Exempt Employee Who Works Part Time?

Compensating an exempt employee who works part-time involves careful consideration of legal requirements, company policies, and the employee’s needs. Here are some best practices to guide this process: Legal Requirements and Company Policies Understanding Exempt Status: Exempt employees are typically salaried, meaning they are not entitled to overtime pay under the…

What Happened to the Tip Credit Rule for Restaurants?

On August 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Department of Labor’s so-called “80/20/30” tip credit rule. The decision applies nationwide. In short, the rule required employers to pay tipped employees the full minimum wage—without a tip credit—for work time that was not directly tip-producing but was only tip-supporting if that work…

National Payroll Week – Celebrating the Unsung (Payroll) Heroes

Happy National Payroll Week 2024. This special week is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of payroll professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every worker gets paid accurately and on time. It’s a time to appreciate the precision, dedication, and expertise required to navigate the complex world…

HR News – California Court Takes Strong Stance On Harassment

A recent ruling by a California court has underscored the critical importance of addressing harassment and retaliation claims in the workplace. The court’s decision highlights the necessity for employers to maintain comprehensive employee handbooks, establish clear harassment reporting procedures, and implement open-door policies to encourage transparency and trust. The case emphasizes…

Why Our Clients Love ‘Quick Links’

We caught up with Courtney Tucker (Yes, that is a gnome in her profile!) APlus Plus Payroll’s incredible Customer Support Supervisor to ask about one of her favorite shortcuts within our software, ‘Quick Links’ and why her clients love it: “All of my clients end up loving Quick Links. This magic…

How Can Tracking My Employee Data Improve My Business?

Tracking employee data can significantly enhance business operations by providing insights into workforce productivity, identifying training needs, and improving employee satisfaction. By analyzing patterns in attendance, performance metrics, and employee feedback, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s how we do it for our clients:…

Are “No Fault” Attendance Policies Legal?

“No Fault” attendance policies, which discipline employees for absences without considering the reason, are generally legal in the United States. However, their legality depends on how they are implemented and whether they comply with federal, state, and local labor laws, particularly those concerning protected absences. Legal Framework: State and Federal Laws…

How Can I Avoid Bad Hires?

Nothing you can do will prevent every regrettable hire, but you can reduce the likelihood of one. Fortunately, there are effective strategies you can implement to minimize the risks and ensure you’re bringing the best candidates on board. Let’s explore some practical steps to help you avoid bad hires. 1. Define…

Crowdstrike Outage: Should I Have a Payroll Plan B?

In short, always. Recently, Crowdstrike, a leading cybersecurity provider, experienced a significant outage that left many users scrambling. We’ll delve into what happened, its impact on HR and payroll professionals, and the critical importance of having a reliable backup plan. What Happened? The Crowdstrike outage lasted for several hours, disrupting services…

How to Handle an Employee Who Is Suffering From Work Stress?

“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 not really the case. Some manager guidance can go a long…

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Meet Payroll Paul

Payroll Paul first joined APlus Payroll in 2008. He specializes in helping build the customer service, marketing, and culture within the company; relying on his 40+ years of 'customer delight' experiences across six countries.

Paul Devlin