I think its referring to the owner's name being on the front of the pay checks that go out to the workers.

With direct deposits and stuff it might not be much of a thing these days, if you work in a larger company.

you sign the check on the back when you give it to the teller to get your deposit. i only did this a couple of times, now everyone pays through electronic payroll software.

I think its a USA thing. I've never been paid in a cheque in my life.

When you write a check to someone you sign the front of it, when you go to deposit/cash a check you sign the back of it