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 – Are We Required to Have an Introductory Period for New Employees?
“No. Some employers call the first few weeks or months of an employee’s time with the company an introductory period, but this designation has no bearing on the rights employers or employees have. An introductory period doesn’t reduce the risks of termination (you should still have a good business reason…
Read MoreDeciding When to Establish a Dedicated HR Department: A Guide for Growing Businesses
As your business expands, there comes a point where managing human resources (HR) duties becomes more complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a dedicated HR department at the right time. However, determining when that is can be challenging. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can guide your…
Read MoreSeven Things to Consider When Providing Paid Time Off
Everyone needs time off from work, but not everyone’s able to take it. Paid time off helps a lot. People are better able to take the time they need without worrying about a smaller paycheck. Employers demonstrate to their teams that they value them as whole people and recognize that time…
Read MoreA Detailed Guide on Common Payroll Deductions for Small Businesses
Essential Payroll Taxes: FICA, FUTA, and SUTA 1. FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) Taxes: FICA taxes are composed of two parts: Social Security and Medicare. As of 2023, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for both employers and employees, up to a maximum wage base of $147,000. The Medicare tax…
Read MoreCultivating Confidence: Why Trying to Impress People Doesn’t Work
Have you ever tried to spruce up a garden for your neighbors’ admiration, only to realize that the most beautiful blooms were the ones you nurtured for your enjoyment? (Especially tough after this recent Texas summer) The same principle applies to personal development. When we focus on impressing others, we…
Read MoreHR Q&A – We have an exempt employee who has been taking a lot of long lunches and my boss wants to deduct time from her paid time off (PTO) bank. Can we dock her PTO for taking a long lunch?
“You can deduct hours from this exempt employee’s PTO bank for the time she was scheduled to work but didn’t work, but if it wasn’t made clear that you expected her to follow a set schedule, you’d only want to do this going forward. However, we’d suggest considering a different approach. …
Read MoreHR Q&a – What Is Pay Transparency and How Does It Help Employers?
Pay transparency refers to sharing information about pay with applicants, employees, and possibly the entire world. While some states and localities require that employers include a pay range with job postings, many employers now choose to do this on their own to stay competitive. But pay transparency can be taken…
Read MorePayroll is a serious business..until it’s not! – 7 funny stories from the Payroll department
Payroll, as we know, is a serious business. Most payroll managers have seen and heard it all. However, every once in a while, even they get a good chuckle from an unusual request or unique submission…Here’s 7 of the best! The Time Traveler: An employee once submitted a receipt for…
Read MoreThe Importance of Payroll Management for Business Productivity: An Overlooked Game-Changer
When it comes to running a successful business, several key elements often steal the limelight—innovative ideas, strategic planning, marketing prowess, and customer service. While these are undoubtedly vital, one critical aspect that’s frequently overlooked is payroll management. However, when executed properly, effective payroll management can significantly advance the company’s overall…
Read MoreHow to run effective meetings – A Guide for HR Professionals
Efficient Meeting Management: A Guide for HR Professionals Effective meetings are the lifeblood of a successful organization. They foster communication, collaboration, and decision-making. However, to ensure that meetings are productive and not time-wasters, careful planning and execution are key. Here’s how you can conduct efficient meetings with your staff: 1.…
Read MoreThe Power of One-to-One Service
In an era where customer service often feels automated and impersonal, our company is revolutionizing the way we support our clients. At the heart of this transformation is our unique approach: each client is assigned a dedicated Client Support Specialist. While other companies may route customer inquiries through call centers…
Read MoreAsk the HR Expert – Can we tell nonexempt employees not to check email and messages when they’re supposed to be off the clock?
“Yes, you can tell nonexempt employees that they shouldn’t read or respond to messages when they’re not scheduled to be working. When communicating your expectations, it may be beneficial to investigate why these employees are checking email and messages outside their scheduled hours. If you determine there’s an issue with their…
Read MoreFive reasons why UKG Ready’s time module will make you (and your business) more efficient
Businesses are increasingly turning to UKG Ready Time in order to streamline and optimize their workforce’s time. This module is designed to help businesses better manage, track, and analyze the time spent on tasks and activities within the workplace. By leveraging this technology, companies can increase productivity and reduce costs…
Read MoreFederal DOL Announces Proposed Rule to Increase Exempt Employee Minimum Salaries
The Federal Department of Labor (DOL) has finally announced the release of its proposed rule to increase the minimum salary required for certain employees to be classified as exempt from minimum wage and overtime. While we don’t usually report on proposed rules because they tend to change—and often the effective date…
Read MoreHR Management with UKG
The Power of Efficient HR Management Effective HR management is not just about hiring and firing. It includes employee onboarding, time and attendance tracking, payroll processing, benefits administration, and much more. These tasks, while crucial, can take up a significant amount of time and resources. With UKG Ready, supported by…
Read MoreElevating the Mundane: The Power of Pride in One’s Work
As Labor Day approaches, let’s talk about the power of taking pride in your work, no matter how small the task. Whether you’re a CEO or a cleaner, every role has significance and can make a difference in its own way. It’s easy to overlook the importance of seemingly…
Read MoreSupercharging Employee Onboarding with UKG Ready: Why First Impressions Matter!
The first few days of a new job can be overwhelming for anyone. From learning the ropes to integrating into the company culture, there’s a lot to take in. That’s why effective onboarding is so essential. A well-structured onboarding process not only sets new hires up for success but also…
Read MoreHR Q&A – Can we limit which states our remote employees work in?
Yes. In general, you can determine work locations for your remote employees and choose not to hire or employ anyone in specific states. Business and operational costs as well as state or local employment laws may factor into this decision. If you do decide to limit which states your employees can…
Read MoreAre the risks of paying your employees off the books worth it?
Direct Cost Savings of Off-the-Books Payments At first glance, off-the-books payments may appear financially advantageous as they circumvent certain costs associated with formal employment: Taxes: Employers avoid payroll tax contributions, which include Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. Paperwork: Reduces the administrative burden associated with maintaining employee records, processing payroll,…
Read MoreHow to Effectively Break Down Large Tasks into Manageable Steps: A Guide for Increased Productivity
When faced with a large task, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. It may seem like there’s so much to do and not enough time to do it. However, by breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps, you can make progress more effectively and efficiently. Here’s how: 1. Understand…
Read MoreHR Q&A – Is there a limitation on the length of time that an employee can be classified as a temporary employee?
No. There are no federal laws defining how long an employee can be considered “temporary.” The time frame can vary based on an organization’s budget considerations and business needs. For example, an organization may only need to hire employees for an increase in sales over the holiday season or to…
Read MoreRevolutionize your TLM process with APlus Payroll
Are you still managing time-off requests using pen and paper, text messages, or emails? If so, it’s time to consider an upgrade. While these traditional methods may seem simple, they often lead to a host of issues, including miscommunication, inconvenience, and time-consuming processes. The Problem with Manual Time-Off Requests Consider this…
Read MoreTexas Hairstyle Discrimination and Workplace Violence Reporting Notice
The following changes to Texas employment law take effect on September 1, 2023. Texas Prohibits Hairstyle Discrimination Texas joins the growing list of states that prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle. The state’s employment discrimination law, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees, has been expanded to prohibit discrimination…
Read More5 Ways To Find Companies That Prioritize Personal Service
Are you absolutely sick and tired of poor customer service, especially when it comes to payroll companies? If the first voice you hear is a recording saying “We value your call”, how valuable is it really? It’s frustrating to try to get help from someone who seems completely disinterested in…
Read MoreStill have questions?
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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