Employees

An employee is a person who works for an employer under an explicit or implicit contract of employment. In many jurisdictions the relationship is defined by a written contract, a set of policies, and applicable labor and employment laws. Employees typically receive ongoing wages or salary, benefits, tax withholdings, and are integrated into the employer’s organizational structure, in contrast to independent contractors or freelancers.

Common elements of the employment relationship include job duties, work schedule, compensation, benefits, and performance expectations. Onboarding introduces the employee to the role and the organization’s policies. Rights and protections typically covered include minimum wage, overtime, safe working conditions, non-discrimination, and whistleblower protections; benefits may include health care, retirement plans, paid leave, and training opportunities. Responsibilities include performing assigned tasks, complying with laws and company policies, maintaining confidentiality, and contributing to a safe and respectful work environment.

Types of employees include full-time permanent, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and contract staff. Some jurisdictions classify workers differently for tax and labor law purposes; in others, contingent workers may be treated as employees if they meet control and integration criteria.

Recruitment and development are ongoing processes, with hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, and professional development aimed at aligning individual goals with organizational needs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, plus safety and health programs, are commonly emphasized to improve engagement and reduce turnover.

Global variation means that laws governing minimum standards, working hours, termination, and union rights differ widely; organizations may maintain compliance functions and human resources policies to address this complexity.