Whether you're an HR professional or just interested in the field, getting to grips with what an employee is all about is pretty important. This article breaks down the term "employee" in simple terms, giving you the lowdown on what they do in a company and the rules that come with it. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of what being an employee means in HR land.
An employee is someone hired by a company to do specific jobs in exchange for pay. They work based on an agreement that lays out stuff like hours, pay, benefits, and what's expected of them on the job.
Employees have rights and responsibilities at work. They're entitled to things like fair treatment, protection from bad stuff like discrimination or harassment, a safe workplace, and the freedom to join unions if they want. They've also got duties like following the company's rules, doing their job well, and keeping things private when needed.
There are a few flavors of employees out there. Full-timers work the regular hours and get perks like health benefits and paid time off. Part-timers work less and might not get all the same goodies. Then there are contract or temporary workers who come on board for specific gigs or timeframes and might not have all the same benefits or job security.
Getting someone on the team involves finding the right fit, doing interviews, checking their qualifications, and sorting out paperwork like contracts and tax forms. Once they're in, onboarding kicks in, which means showing them the ropes, training them up, and getting them used to how things work around here.
Employee happiness and sticking around for the long haul are big deals. HR folks work hard to keep people engaged with stuff like shout-outs for good work, chances to grow in their careers, and making sure the work vibe is positive. Keeping employees happy and on board helps the company stay steady and succeed. HR might dig into why people leave, make sure pay and perks are competitive, and give folks room to grow and move up.
To sum it up, an employee is someone hired by a company to do a job in exchange for pay. Knowing what makes an employee tick is key for HR pros as they handle hiring, training, and keeping the team happy and growing. By understanding how important employees are and what they need to thrive, HR can set the stage for a workplace where everyone's valued and can shine.