Employment: What is it?

Employment is a paid agreement between an employer and an employee. The employer typically controls what the employee does and where they work.

What is Employment?

Employment is an agreement between the employer and the employee, whereby the employee agrees to provide certain services. In return, the employee is paid a salary or hourly wage. Although employees can negotiate some terms in the employment agreement, the terms and conditions are primarily set by the employer. Both parties can also terminate the agreement.

How Does Employment Work?

Employment agreements vary, as they may include different time commitments and compensation plans. For example, employment can be:

• A part-time hourly job where a fixed amount is paid for each hour worked
• A full-time job where individuals receive a salary and benefits from the employer for performing tasks required in a specific role
• A set schedule requiring employees to work 40 hours a week with a lunch hour and two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, as mandated by state law

As long as the employer fulfills their agreement to pay the employee and pays them on time, and the employee wishes to continue working for the employer, employment typically continues.

The relationship between the employer and the employee is largely governed by the employer’s needs, profitability, and management philosophy. The employment relationship is also influenced by the availability of employees and their expectations.

Federal and state laws also guide the employment relationship and reduce the employer’s autonomy as a means to prevent abuse of power. Employment laws change from time to time, so employers need to stay informed about current federal and state legislative developments.

Government entities at the federal, state, and local levels, such as the Department of Labor, are available for employees. These organizations track job statistics and can assist employees in disputes with employers.

Employment Requirements

Employers withhold federal and state taxes and pay health care, Social Security, and unemployment taxes on the salaries and wages they pay employees. This is one of the factors that differentiate employment from working with an independent contractor.

Employment also allows employers to control more aspects of the employee’s job, including work location, resources, responsibilities, hours, and wages. The degree of employee involvement, independence, and self-direction can vary significantly depending on the employer. Some allow significant autonomy in how employees work, while others dictate how the employee spends every minute; both scenarios are employment.

If an employee has a dispute with an employer in the private sector, the employee has several options. They can raise the issue with their supervisor, go to human resources, speak to upper management, or even file a notice.

Employers are not allowed to discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Employees have the right to file a complaint about discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the local agency enforcing equal employment opportunity laws.

In these and other complex situations, it is advisable for the employee to find an attorney specialized in employment law or seek assistance from the Department of Labor in their state or its equivalent. If the workplace is unionized, the employee may also want to discuss their complaints with union representatives.

Takeaway

Employment is a paid work agreement between an employer and an employee. The employment agreement for the individual employee can be an oral exchange, a written email, or a job offer letter. Employment agreements vary and can include different time commitments and compensation plans. Federal, state, and local laws also affect the employment relationship.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Filing a Charge of Discrimination.” Accessed July 11, 2020.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-employment-1918114