Employee
An employee is a person who is hired by an organization to perform specific job duties and tasks, typically in exchange for a salary or wages and benefits.
What is an employee?
An employee is a person who is hired by an organization to perform a specific job or set of tasks. They are typically paid a salary or wages in exchange for their work, and may be entitled to certain benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Employees are typically bound by a contract or employment agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of their employment, including their job duties, pay, and benefits. They usually report to a supervisor or manager and may be part of a larger team or department within the organization.
What does the employee do?
An employee is responsible for performing specific job duties and tasks as outlined by their employer. These duties can vary depending on the type of job and the organization they are working for. They may include tasks such as: HBR’s employment and workforce research
- Carrying out specific job functions, such as sales, customer service, or production.
- Following company policies and procedures.
- Participating in training and development opportunities.
- Attending meetings and completing assigned tasks on time.
- Collaborating with other employees to achieve organizational goals.
- Communicating effectively with managers, colleagues, and customers.
- Completing paperwork and other administrative tasks.
- Maintaining a professional and positive attitude.
- Representing the company in a positive manner.
Employees are expected to fulfill their job duties to the best of their abilities and to meet performance expectations set by their employer.
What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?
An employee is a person who is hired by an organization to perform a specific job or set of tasks, while an independent contractor is a self-employed individual who provides services to an organization on a contract basis. The main difference between the two is that employees are considered to be part of the organization, while independent contractors are not.
Employees typically have a more formal and long-term relationship with the organization, and are typically bound by a contract or employment agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of their employment, including their job duties, pay, and employee benefits.
They typically receive a salary or wages for their work, and may be eligible for other benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. They usually report to a supervisor or manager and may be part of a larger team or department within the organization.
On the other hand, independent contractors are self-employed and are not considered to be part of the organization. They typically have a more informal and short-term relationship with the organization, and are typically bound by a contract or service agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of their work, including the scope of their services, their pay, and any other benefits.
They typically receive a fee for their services, and may not be eligible for benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. They are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other business expenses. They typically have more autonomy and control over the way they perform their work. SHRM’s employment and employee guidance
Defining the employment relationship clearly and managing it well is foundational to building a workforce that attracts and retains top talent. Organizations using pre-employment assessments ensure every hire is grounded in verified skills. A data-driven hiring plan reduces mis-hire risk, while strong talent acquisition practices focused on skills-based hiring help organizations attract and retain top talent.
Frequently asked questions
An employee is a person who works for an organization under an employment relationship : receiving compensation in exchange for services performed under the direction and control of the employer. Employees are distinguished from independent contractors by the degree of employer control over how work is performed, as determined by IRS, DOL, and state law tests. Employees typically receive benefits, have taxes withheld, and are protected by employment law.
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Related terms
Employee Advocacy
Employee advocacy is the act of promoting the interests and well-being of employees within a company.
Employee Assessment
Employee assessment is the process of evaluating an employee’s job performance and potential.
Employee Benefits
Employee benefits are non-wage compensation offered by employers to attract and retain employees, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability insurance, and life insurance.
Employee Clearance
Employee clearance is a process of verifying and documenting that an individual is suitable and eligible to access certain information or facilities within a company or organization.
Employee Database
An Employee Database is a system that stores and organizes employee information for easy access, management, and compliance.
Employee Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme
Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) is life insurance provided by EPFO for private sector employees with an employer-paid premium based on EPF coverage.
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