From Played to Paid - Week 3

What Happens Before Payday: Timing Is Everything

That look when it’s payday… but your hours didn’t make it in on time. 😬⏳

Let’s Talk Timing

Everyone loves payday, but most people don’t realize how much happens before the money hits your bank account. If you've ever wondered why a shift you worked isn’t on your paycheck—or why your bonus shows up a week late—it usually comes down to timing.

And that timing? It's more complicated than it should be.

Payroll Isn’t Instant (Even in 2025)

Your paycheck isn’t just a sum of what you worked—it’s a carefully timed process involving approvals, deadlines, and compliance checks.

In most companies:

• You work a pay period (like the 1st–15th)

• Timecards get submitted and reviewed

• Payroll is processed and submitted to the bank

• The money is direct deposited (eventually)

If anything throws off that schedule—like late timecard approvals or changes in pay rates—it can delay your pay or leave things off your check entirely.

Cutoff Dates & Pay Schedules: The Secret Calendar

Every employer has internal cutoff dates for time, bonuses, reimbursements, etc. These deadlines are often days or even weeks before payday.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
	Time Due				Payday

• Examples:

  • Your pay period ends on Sunday, but your hours may be due by Monday at 10am for a check on Friday

  • A bonus earned in July might not be paid until August 15th

  • A correction submitted after Monday may not make it until the next check

And if your manager doesn’t approve your time on time? That could mean a NET ZERO paycheck.

Why It Matters for You

Here’s how knowing this can protect you:

• Plan ahead for delays—especially for bonuses and off-cycle payments

• Follow up early when something looks wrong (waiting won’t fix it)

• Keep records of hours, approvals, and promised payments

• Ask questions about your company’s pay cycle and cutoff rules

Payroll Isn’t Magic—It’s a Process

Payroll isn’t pushing a button. It’s a delicate dance between HR, managers, timekeepers, systems, and deadlines. When everyone hits their marks, you get paid right. When they don’t… you don’t.

So the next time something seems off, don’t just assume it's a “payroll problem.” It might be a timing issue—and knowing the process puts you back in control.

Join us again next week when we talk about everyone's favorite... BONUSES!