Detailee vs. Employee — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
A detailee is temporarily assigned to a different department or agency to perform specific duties, retaining their original employment status; an employee is permanently affiliated with an organization under an employment contract.
Difference Between Detailee and Employee
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A detailee refers to a person temporarily transferred from their regular position to work on specific tasks within another department or agency, often to lend expertise or fill staffing gaps. On the other hand, an employee is generally someone permanently working under a contract for an employer, performing the duties as outlined in their job description.
While detailees maintain their original job position and benefits, merely extending their service to a different area temporarily, employees are directly tied to their roles and responsibilities within their hiring organization with specific contractual obligations.
In terms of accountability, detailees are accountable to both their home and host departments during their assignment, whereas employees are accountable primarily to the department or organization that hires them.
Detailees typically return to their original positions after completing their assignments, highlighting the temporary nature of their roles. Conversely, employees remain in their roles unless changed through internal transfers or promotions, reflecting a more stable employment relationship.
The purpose of detailing is often to enhance interdepartmental cooperation and utilize specialized skills where needed, while employing someone serves the purpose of fulfilling the regular workforce needs of an organization.
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Comparison Chart
Nature of Assignment
Temporary transfer to another department or agency
Permanent position within an organization
Job Security
Returns to original job after assignment
Typically retains the same job unless terminated or transferred
Accountability
Accountable to both home and host departments
Accountable to the hiring organization
Purpose
To lend expertise or address staffing shortages
To perform specific, ongoing duties
Benefits and Salary
Retains original benefits and salary structure
Benefits and salary are tied to the position in the hiring organization
Compare with Definitions
Detailee
An individual working in another department to share expertise.
As a detailee, she contributed significantly to the project.
Employee
A person hired by a company to perform specific duties.
The new employee was oriented yesterday.
Detailee
A worker helping to bridge interagency cooperation.
The detailee from the health department played a key role in the initiative.
Employee
A member of the workforce officially employed by an entity.
Every employee is required to complete annual training.
Detailee
Someone temporarily filling a role in need due to a vacancy.
He served as a detailee in the communications department.
Employee
An individual with a permanent role in an organization.
She has been a loyal employee for ten years.
Detailee
A professional loaned out to a different organization temporarily.
The agency regularly uses detailees for cross-training.
Employee
A worker who is part of a company’s staff.
All employees must adhere to the new policies.
Detailee
A government employee temporarily assigned to a different agency.
The detailee was sent to assist with the budget crisis.
Employee
Someone who receives regular salary and benefits from an employer.
The employee benefits package was recently upgraded.
Detailee
A detailee is an employee of a United States executive branch government agency temporarily assigned to another position, generally in another U.S. government agency or an international organization. The employee's original agency will usually continue to pay the person's salary.
Employee
A person who works for another in return for financial or other compensation.
Detailee
An employee of a United States government agency on assignment or loan.
Employee
An individual who provides labor to a company or another person.
One way to encourage your employees to work harder is by giving them incentives.
Employee
One employed by another.
Employee
A worker who is hired to perform a job
Common Curiosities
What is a detailee in the government sector?
In the government sector, a detailee is an employee temporarily assigned to work in a different department or agency.
How is a detailee different from an employee?
A detailee is temporarily assigned to another role, retaining their original position, while an employee is permanently in their role.
How does the salary of a detailee compare to that of an employee?
A detailee retains their original salary and benefits, unlike an employee who is paid according to the terms set by the hiring organization.
How do organizations benefit from using detailees?
Organizations benefit from detailing by gaining temporary access to specialized skills and knowledge that may not be available within their own workforce, which can enhance productivity and innovation.
Do detailees receive additional compensation for their assignments?
Detailees generally do not receive extra pay for temporary assignments; however, they maintain their original salary and benefits. In some cases, travel or relocation allowances may be provided.
What legal protections do detailees have compared to employees?
Detailees retain the legal protections of their original employment, including any union representations, whereas employees are subject to the legal protections provided by their current employer.
What are typical responsibilities of a detailee?
A detailee typically takes on specific tasks or projects that require their expertise in the host department.
Can a detailee be considered an employee of the host agency?
A detailee remains an employee of their original department, not the host agency, during the detailing period.
Can a detailee refuse an assignment?
Depending on their employment agreement and the policies of their home agency, detailees may have limited ability to refuse a detailing assignment if it is considered a part of their job responsibilities.
What happens if a detailee's position is eliminated while they are on assignment?
If a detailee’s original position is eliminated during their assignment, their home agency must typically find an equivalent position for them or handle the situation according to internal HR policies and labor laws.
Are detailees provided with training for their temporary assignments?
Detailees often receive specific training related to their temporary assignment to ensure they are equipped to handle the responsibilities of their new role effectively.
Is there a limit to how long one can be a detailee?
The duration of a detailing assignment can vary, but it is typically defined by the agreement between the home and host agencies and is usually limited to ensure it remains a temporary arrangement.
Can an employee become a detailee within the same organization?
Yes, detailing can occur within the same organization, especially in large entities where departments have diverse functions requiring specific expertise temporarily.
How does the performance of a detailee get evaluated?
Performance evaluations for detailees are usually conducted by the host department in collaboration with the home department to assess their contribution during the detailing period.
How does detailing affect an employee's career progression?
Detailing can positively impact an employee's career progression by exposing them to new skills, networks, and experiences that enhance their value and versatility within their home organization.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
