We pride ourselves on using bold strategies that no one else in the industry would think to try but what in the world does that mean?  Here’s an example of how we recognized a corrective action that was going to put a client’s payroll team into a high-stress situation and turned it into a learning opportunity with a twist: a game.

Identifying the Issue

The problem came to light during an audit of the client's payroll processes. We discovered that the payroll team was not correctlycalculating overtime when paying out nondiscretionary bonuses. This oversight led to significant discrepancies in their payroll calculations, and they were unaware of the need to recalculate the weighted average hourly wage and adjust all overtime for the period in which the bonus was earned.

Implementing the Solution

Correcting these errors was no small task. We had to go back several years and meticulously recalculate overtime pay for each affected period. Understanding the potential stress and frustration this would cause for the payroll team, we decided to implement a unique and engaging training method: a card game.

The Payroll Overtime Card Game

To prepare the team for the corrective action project, we designed a fun and educational card game that simulated various payrollscenarios. The game included several types of bonuses, and the players had to determine whether each bonus was discretionary or nondiscretionary. Once identified, they had to correctly calculate the payroll based on the bonus type.

Here are some scenarios included in the game:

• Quarterly attendance bonus paid out
• Referral bonus awarded
• Spot bonus for going above and beyond
• Annual performance bonus
• Holiday bonus

Players would draw cards, each depicting a different scenario, and work through the calculations required. The game fostered teamwork and reinforced the importance of accurate payroll processing in an enjoyable way. By making the training interactive and fun,the team was able to grasp the concepts more effectively and felt more prepared to tackle the real-world corrections.

The Outcome

After the game-based training, the payroll team was ready to begin the arduous task of correcting past payroll errors. Although the project required many hours of rework, the team approached it with a better understanding and a positive attitude, thanks to the engaging training session.

By the end of the project, we successfully corrected all overtime calculations and implemented new processes to ensure that future bonuses would be handled correctly. The client was not only compliant with federal regulations but also had a payroll team equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain accuracy moving forward.

Addressing payroll errors, especially those involving complex calculations, can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and a bit of creativity, it's possible to turn a challenging situation into a learning opportunity. At My HR Extension, we believe in innovative solutions and empowering teams through effective training methods. This case was a perfect example of how we combine expertise with unique strategies to deliver exceptional results.

If you’re facing similar challenges or want to ensure your payroll processes are compliant and efficient, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your organization thrive!