--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Payroll, HR & Benefits (11) description: Payroll, HR & Benefits | (11) --- [Family of Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/)  |  [CPA & Business Advisory](http://machenmcchesney.com)  |  [Payroll, HR & Benefits](http://focuspaysolutions.com/)  |  [Wealth Management](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) Auburn-Opelika (334) 887-7022 | Montgomery (334) 244-8900 [![mm-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png)](http://machenmcchesney.com) Search this site on Google Search Google Search this site on Google Search Google - [Client Portal](https://machenmcchesney.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login) - [1040 Electronic Organizer](https://www.my1040data.com/account/login/HT7902990) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - 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[Benefits](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/benefits/) - [Our Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/our-stories/) - [Current Openings](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/current-openings-send-resume/) - [Accounting Internship Opportunities](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/students/) - Contact Us - [Auburn-Opelika Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-auburn-office/) - [Montgomery Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-montgomery-office/) # Returning Value Blog ## [Blow the Dust off Your Employee Handbook](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/blow-the-dust-off-your-employee-handbook) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/738%20Becky%20Snedigar%20WEB%20Image%20250x350.jpg) Posted by [Becky Snedigar](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/becky-snedigar) on Mar 07, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-1045482824-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/blow-the-dust-off-your-employee-handbook) It’s probably safe to say that most employers have created some form of an employee handbook. But just because your organization has one, that doesn’t mean it’s functional. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/blow-the-dust-off-your-employee-handbook) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [4 Questions of Compensation Philosophy to Ponder](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-questions-of-compensation-philosophy-to-ponder) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Feb 19, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-903736668-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-questions-of-compensation-philosophy-to-ponder) In the simplest of worlds, an employee effectively performs a set of tasks on an agreed-upon schedule and you pay him or her a fair wage. End of story. But, in the real world, employers need to craft a compensation philosophy: a formal statement outlining their belief system and approach to all the different ways they compensate employees. Here are four compensation philosophy questions to ponder: [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-questions-of-compensation-philosophy-to-ponder) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [What Does "At-will Employment" Really Mean Anyway?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-does-at-will-employment-really-mean-anyway) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/738%20Becky%20Snedigar%20WEB%20Image%20250x350.jpg) Posted by [Becky Snedigar](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/becky-snedigar) on Feb 01, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-941329264-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-does-at-will-employment-really-mean-anyway) Many, if not most, employers today use some form of an “at-will” employment contract when hiring. The arrangement is theoretically simple: The employer can terminate the employee at any time, for any cause — with or without notice. But is that what at-will employment really means? Not necessarily. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-does-at-will-employment-really-mean-anyway) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Want To Motivate Employees? Get Back To Basics](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/want-to-motivate-employees-get-back-to-basics) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jan 16, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-827799544-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/want-to-motivate-employees-get-back-to-basics) Motivation. It’s a relatively simple word, but encouraging it among your employees can be a challenge. Maybe that’s because, fundamentally, enthusiasm must come from within. It’s not something you can implant in someone externally. For this reason, employers sometimes need to get back to the basics of employee motivation to identify the right ways to inspire their workforces. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/want-to-motivate-employees-get-back-to-basics) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Comply Carefully With The Laws Regarding Background Checks](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/comply-carefully-with-the-laws-regarding-background-checks) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/738%20Becky%20Snedigar%20WEB%20Image%20250x350.jpg) Posted by [Becky Snedigar](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/becky-snedigar) on Jan 08, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-1032741010-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/comply-carefully-with-the-laws-regarding-background-checks) A bad hire can lead to more than just disappointment. Disgruntled employees may draw bad publicity; file complicated, expensive lawsuits; and even disclose or destroy sensitive data. Many employers are adding background checks to their hiring processes for these reasons. If you’re thinking about joining them, here are some dos and don’ts to follow. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/comply-carefully-with-the-laws-regarding-background-checks) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Fringe Benefits: Long-term Care Insurance Can Pay Off](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/fringe-benefits-long-term-care-insurance-can-pay-off) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Marty%20Williams%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Marty Williams, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/marty-williams-cpa) on Dec 12, 2018 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-828156300-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/fringe-benefits-long-term-care-insurance-can-pay-off) The U.S. population is aging and, as it does, the need for long-term support and services will only grow. According to a 2017 fact sheet from the AARP Public Policy Institute, on average, 52% of people who turn 65 today will develop a severe disability that will require long-term care (LTC) at some point. For this reason, among others, employers should consider offering LTC insurance as a fringe benefit. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/fringe-benefits-long-term-care-insurance-can-pay-off) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Which Employees Are Truly Your MVPs?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/which-employees-are-truly-your-mvps) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Dec 07, 2018 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lepak%20%26%20Snell%20model.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/which-employees-are-truly-your-mvps) Every year, when baseball season finally ends, a most valuable player (MVP) is named in each league. Not everyone agrees on the choice; in fact, it’s something fans love to argue about. But eventually the two players receive their awards and their names go into the record books. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/which-employees-are-truly-your-mvps) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Help Employees Take Flight With a Performance Management Pilot Program](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/help-employees-take-flight-with-a-performance-management-pilot-program) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/738%20Becky%20Snedigar%20WEB%20Image%20250x350.jpg) Posted by [Becky Snedigar](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/becky-snedigar) on Dec 06, 2018 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-913582656-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/help-employees-take-flight-with-a-performance-management-pilot-program) Many years ago, “performance management” was a supervisor giving orders to an employee and the employee trying to follow them. But as the workplace has evolved and employers have sought to get a greater return on investment in human resources, the concept of performance management has become much more complex. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/help-employees-take-flight-with-a-performance-management-pilot-program) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Would a Roth 401(k) Plan Suit Your Employees?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/would-a-roth-401k-plan-suit-your-employees) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Mike%20Machen%202025%20Update.jpg) Posted by [Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/michael-d-machen-cpa-cva) on Dec 06, 2018 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-1029298606-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/would-a-roth-401k-plan-suit-your-employees) Roth 401(k) accounts have been around for quite a while. But many employers still don’t offer them and many employees still don’t understand them. As the name implies, these plans are a hybrid — taking some characteristics from Roth IRAs and some from traditional employer-sponsored 401(k)s. When considering (or reconsidering) your retirement plan options, look into whether a Roth 401(k) would suit your employees. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/would-a-roth-401k-plan-suit-your-employees) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [3 Critical HR Metrics For Employers](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/3-critical-hr-metrics-for-employers) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/738%20Becky%20Snedigar%20WEB%20Image%20250x350.jpg) Posted by [Becky Snedigar](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/becky-snedigar) on Nov 08, 2018 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-815588082-145984-edited.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/3-critical-hr-metrics-for-employers) Many employers routinely watch key financial metrics, such as current ratio and gross profit. But these aren’t the only measures you should consider monitoring. Recent years have seen the emergence of vital human resource (HR) metrics. These measures can help your organization make better-informed decisions about human capital, operations, and overall strategy. Here are three examples of critical HR metrics: [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/3-critical-hr-metrics-for-employers) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) [Previous](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits/page/10) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits/page/12) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Blog ### Posts by Category - [Business Tax (356)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) - [Business Advisory (238)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) - [Payroll, HR & Benefits (124)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) - [Audit & Assurance (113)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/audit-assurance) - [Accounting & Outsourcing (81)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) - [Individual Tax (75)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) - [Tax Planning (33)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [Tax Updates (25)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-updates) - [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning (18)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) - [Taxation (15)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/taxation) - [Alerts (13)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) - [Business Valuation (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-valuation) - [News & Events (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) - [Tax News (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-news) - [Individual Tax Planning (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax-planning) - [Not For Profit (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/not-for-profit) - [Retirement Planning (9)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [Manufacturing Industry Insights (7)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry-insights) - [Individuals (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individuals) - [Insider (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/insider) - [Professional Standard News (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/professional-standard-news) see all [![Returning\_Value](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2504250850-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/Returning_Value.jpg)](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [![AICPA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/aicpa.jpg)](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/) - [![NACVA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - ![2026 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 400](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-ipa-top-400.jpg) - ![2026 Best of Auburn-Opelika](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-auburn-opelika.jpg) - [![2025 Best of OA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-best-of-oa.jpg)](https://oanow.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/) - ![2026 Best of OA Winner](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-oa-winner.jpg) - [![2025 Accounting Today Regional Leaders](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-accounting-today-regional-leaders.jpg)](https://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Employee](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting-employee.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) 1820 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | Tel: (334) 887-7022 | Fax: (334) 887-7221 1761 Taliaferro Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117 | Tel: (334) 244-8900 | Fax: (334) 364-0927 † This is not a CPA firm. \* Assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Frazier & Deeter, LLC. “Frazier & Deeter” is the brand name under which Frazier & Deeter, LLC\* and Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC† and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. 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