Who is classified as an employee?

The classification of an employee is primarily based on the relationship between the individual and the employer, specifically involving a contract for hire where the individual performs work in exchange for wages. An employee is someone who typically operates under the direction and control of an employer, meaning that this individual is dependent on the employer for the terms and conditions of their job, including but not limited to, the hours worked, type of work performed, and methods used to complete that work.

This relationship establishes certain rights and obligations under labor laws, such as entitlement to minimum wage, overtime pay, and benefits, which further delineates an employee from other classifications of workers, like freelancers or independent contractors.

Unlike a business owner or a person who hires others, an employee does not have the autonomy or responsibility of running a business or making hiring decisions. Additionally, a freelancer typically operates more independently, offering their services on a contract basis rather than being an employee under someone's control. Thus, the definition aligns most clearly with option C, which encapsulates the essential attributes of an employee in the context of employment law.