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.

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HR Q&A -Does an Employee Have to Sign Our Handbook?

Refusal to sign a handbook doesn’t make policies unenforceable; however, proper documentation of the refusal strengthens the employer’s position. An employee that refuses to sign the handbook, may signal discomfort with company policies or simple misunderstandings about what signing means. For employers, this refusal presents challenges related to policy enforcement and…

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HR Q&A – Can We Tell Employees Not to Discuss Pay?

No you cannot. In fact the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) gives non-supervisory employees the right to speak about these things without fear of retaliation. Understanding this federal law can empower employees to make positive changes in the workplace. Here’s a breakdown of what the NLRA is, what it protects, and…

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Latest I-9 Laws – Are You In Compliance?

Recent changes to the I-9 laws have introduced new procedures, tighter timelines, and increased scrutiny for employers across the country. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and keep your business compliant. What’s New with I-9 Regulations? The most notable update is the transition to the revised Form I-9,…

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Can Your HR Module Really Help Me?

Yes, especially for Companies with more than 50 employees, the HR module can make a massive difference.  From employee onboarding to analyzing performance, HR impacts not just your internal processes but the overall satisfaction of your workforce. When done right, it leads to better engagement and a stronger company culture; when…

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HR Q&A – Can We Have a Mandatory Retirement Age?

No, you cannot have a mandatory retirement age. Just hearing the phrase can make HR folks break into a cold sweat. On the one hand, you’ve got Bill from accounting who’s been with the company since disco was in its heyday and insists on handwriting memos. On the other, there’s a…

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As a Small Business, Do I Really Need a Payroll Company?

Staying on top of payroll compliance is crucial for every small business. It keeps you in line with laws, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures employees feel valued. We often get asked why a business should outsource their payroll?  Of course, it all depends on your situation, but let us run through…

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What Might Trigger a Department of Labor Audit?

From employee complaints to payroll discrepancies, here a 7 common triggers for a DOL Audit: Common Triggers for a DOL Audit The DOL is tasked with enforcing federal labor laws, and several red flags can prompt them to take a closer look at your business. Here are some of the most…

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HR Q&A -Who Should Have Access to Employee Files?

Employee files contain sensitive information—from personal data to performance evaluations—that organizations have a responsibility to safeguard. Proper management of these records is essential to protect privacy, maintain trust, and ensure compliance. But who within a company should have access to these files? And under what circumstances? Here’s a guide to understanding…

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HR Q&A -What Do I Do if An Employee Comes to Me to Vent?

If you’re an HR professional, you’ve probably found yourself on the receiving end of an employee vent session at least once or twice (or dozens of times!). Maybe someone dropped by your office, leaned against the doorframe, and sighed deeply before pouring out their frustrations. It might have left you wondering,…

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HR Q&A – What Is ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Harassment?

The term “quid pro quo” is Latin for “this for that,” and in the context of workplace harassment, it refers to a situation where an individual in a position of power demands something of a personal or sexual nature in exchange for professional benefits or to prevent negative consequences. Essentially, it…

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Do You Need to Spring Clean Your Payroll Process?

Spring is here and it’s time to freshen up your people and processes. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself to see if your payroll process is in need of a ‘spring clean’. 1. Are frequent errors causing employee dissatisfaction or compliance issues? Errors in payroll, such as incorrect salaries, missed payments,…

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Are There Any Recent Enhancements In Your Software?

Yes, here at APlus we are always looking for ways to improve but keeping up with system updates, and here are four of the best!   Whether you’re in HR, payroll, or project management, these new features bring something valuable to the table. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new and how…

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How Can I Keep Up With Ever-Changing Labor Laws?

Thankfully, APlus Payroll is here to ease the burden with its Customized Compliance Alerts feature—a powerful tool designed to keep your business informed, proactive, and compliant. The Compliance Challenge For most companies, particularly those with employees across multiple states or regions, staying compliant can be overwhelming. Laws governing overtime, benefit contributions, and…

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Missouri Earned Paid Sick Time Law – What Do I Need To Know?

Starting May 1, 2025, Missouri workers and employers will see a big change with the introduction of the Earned Paid Sick Time (EPST) law. This new regulation is designed to make workplaces healthier and more productive by giving employees the right to earn paid time off for life’s inevitable health needs.…

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How Can I Get My Employees to Read Important Messages?

By combining thoughtful content creation, strategic timing, and consistent feedback, you can maximize engagement and keep employees connected. Here’s a collection of ideas that might help whether your Company is big or small: Step 1: Choose the Right Communication Platform To increase the likelihood of employees engaging with messages, use platforms…

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HR Q&A -What Should We Include in an Attendance Policy?

An attendance policy is an essential tool for any organization. It sets clear expectations around attendance, creates accountability, and helps maintain workplace productivity and employee morale. Without one, both employees and managers are left navigating a gray area that can lead to confusion and frustration. A well-structured attendance policy ensures everyone…

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HR Q&A – How Best To Notify An Unsuccessful Job Candidate?

When it comes to notifying candidates who were interviewed but not selected, a debate arises in HR circles—should you call them, or is an email sufficient? Both approaches have their merits and potential drawbacks. Making the right choice depends on factors like the candidate experience, your company culture, and the effectiveness…

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Federal Law Alert – Form 300 A – Do You Need To Comply?

Employers with 11 or more employees at any time in 2024 must post OSHA Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, by February 1 2025. Here’s all you need to know. Form 300A Workplace Posting Begins February 1 Covered employers that had 11 or more employees in the entire…

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HR Q & A – Does a Total Compensation Statement Really Matter?

Yes it absolutely does. Think of it as a map that connects the visible salary to the often-overlooked perks and benefits that contribute to an employee’s overall compensation.

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What Is Missouri’s New Minimum Wage Law?

Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.75 per hour as of January 1, 2025, increasing to $15 per hour on January 1, 2026.* Here’s what you need to know about Missouri’s new minimum wage laws and how they may impact your business. Key Updates: These increases were approved through a ballot proposition in…

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HR Q&A – What Is Job Protected Leave?

Job-protected leave refers to time off granted to employees under laws requiring that their job (or an equivalent role) be preserved during and after their leave. Unlike simple paid time off, job-protected leave ensures employees can return to their position or a comparable one at the end of their leave, even…

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How Do I Benefit From Using HR Custom Workflows?

One of our clients’ favorite HR features at APlus are Custom Workflows in our HR module. It allows you to create automated, tailored processes that fit your organization’s unique needs. From onboarding new employees to managing promotions or handling offboarding, this feature empowers HR professionals to design workflows that reduce manual…

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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…

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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…

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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. 

PCD

Paul Devlin