Employ vs. Employee — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Employ means to hire someone for work or use something for a purpose, while employee refers to a person who is hired to work for an employer.
Difference Between Employ and Employee
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Employ means to hire someone to perform a job or task. It involves the act of providing work or making use of services. Employers employ people to fulfill specific roles within their organization, ensuring that necessary tasks are completed efficiently.
Employee refers to an individual who is hired by an employer to perform a job or task. Employees work under the direction of an employer and receive compensation for their services. They have specific roles and responsibilities defined by their employment contract or agreement.
Employ can also mean to use or apply something in a particular situation, such as a tool, method, or strategy. For example, one might employ a new technique to improve productivity. Employee, however, strictly refers to a person who works for an employer and does not extend to objects or methods.
In legal and business contexts, employ signifies the contractual relationship between an employer and an employee. This relationship defines the terms of work, compensation, and expectations. The term employee specifically denotes the worker within this relationship, highlighting their role and obligations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To hire someone for work or use something
A person hired to work for an employer
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Usage Context
Hiring workers, using methods or tools
Worker within an organization
Legal Context
Establishes an employment relationship
Represents the worker in the employment relationship
Role
Employer's action
Individual who is hired
Scope
Can refer to people, methods, tools
Refers only to a person hired for work
Compare with Definitions
Employ
To make use of a resource or method.
They employed advanced technology to enhance their services.
Employee
A person who is hired to perform a job or task.
She is a dedicated employee of the company.
Employ
To put into service.
The manager employed a new strategy to increase sales.
Employee
A person with specific roles and responsibilities defined by an employer.
Each employee has a job description outlining their duties.
Employ
To hire someone for a job or task.
The company plans to employ more staff next year.
Employee
An individual working under an employer's direction.
Every employee must attend the mandatory training.
Employ
To engage in a particular activity or function.
He employed his skills in various projects.
Employee
A worker who receives compensation for their services.
The employee receives benefits as part of their employment package.
Employ
To occupy the attention or efforts of someone.
The teacher employed various techniques to keep students engaged.
Employee
Someone who is part of an organization's workforce.
The company values each employee's contribution to its success.
Employ
Give work to (someone) and pay them for it
Temporary staff can be employed to undertake the work
The firm employs 150 people
Employee
A person who works for another in return for financial or other compensation.
Employ
Make use of
The methods they have employed to collect the data
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.
Employ
The state of being employed for wages or a salary
I started work in the employ of a grocer
Employee
One employed by another.
Employ
To provide work to (someone) for pay
Agreed to employ the job applicant.
Employee
A worker who is hired to perform a job
Employ
To engage the attention or activity of; occupy
Employed himself for an hour reading blogs.
Employ
To put (something) to use or service
Employed a pen to open the package.
Employed her skills in the new job.
Employ
To devote (time, for example) to an activity or purpose
Employed several months in learning Swahili.
Employ
The state of being employed
In the employ of the city.
Employ
(Archaic) An occupation.
Employ
The state of being an employee; employment.
The school district has six thousand teachers in its employ.
Employ
(obsolete) The act of employing someone or making use of something; employment.
Employ
(obsolete) Occupation.
Employ
To hire (somebody for work or a job).
Yesterday our local garage employed a new mechanic.
Employ
To use (somebody for a job, or something for a task).
The burglar employed a jemmy to get in.
Employ
To make busy.
Employ
To inclose; to infold.
Employ
To use; to have in service; to cause to be engaged in doing something; - often followed by in, about, on, or upon, and sometimes by to; as: (a) To make use of, as an instrument, a means, a material, etc., for a specific purpose; to apply; as, to employ the pen in writing, bricks in building, words and phrases in speaking; to employ the mind; to employ one's energies.
This is a day in which the thoughts . . . ought to be employed on serious subjects.
Employ
To occupy; as, to employ time in study.
Jonathan . . . and Jahaziah . . . were employed about this matter.
Thy vineyard must employ the sturdy steerTo turn the glebe.
Employ
That which engages or occupies a person; fixed or regular service or business; employment.
The whole employ of body and of mind.
Employ
The state of being employed or having a job;
They are looking for employment
He was in the employ of the city
Employ
Put into service; make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose;
Use your head!
We only use Spanish at home
I can't make use of this tool
Apply a magnetic field here
This thinking was applied to many projects
How do you utilize this tool?
I apply this rule to get good results
Use the plastic bags to store the food
He doesn't know how to use a computer
Employ
Engage or hire for work;
They hired two new secretaries in the department
How many people has she employed?
Common Curiosities
What is the role of an employee?
An employee's role is to perform tasks and responsibilities defined by their employer.
What does it mean to employ someone?
To employ someone means to hire them for a job or task.
Who is an employee?
An employee is a person hired by an employer to perform a job or task.
What is a common example of employing a resource?
E.g., A company might employ new software to improve efficiency.
Can employ refer to something other than hiring?
Yes, employ can also mean to use or apply a method, tool, or resource.
What are the responsibilities of an employee?
Employees are responsible for fulfilling the tasks and duties outlined by their employer.
What does employ signify in a legal context?
Employ signifies the establishment of a contractual relationship between an employer and an employee.
Are employees compensated for their work?
Yes, employees receive compensation for their services.
Can employ be used in a non-work context?
Yes, employ can be used to refer to utilizing strategies, tools, or methods in various situations.
Can an employee have multiple employers?
Yes, an employee can work for multiple employers simultaneously, depending on their agreements.
What is required to employ someone?
To employ someone, an employer must establish a job contract or agreement outlining terms and conditions of employment.
Do all employees have the same rights?
Employees' rights vary depending on their employment contracts, company policies, and local labor laws.
Can employ be used to describe engaging in an activity?
Yes, employ can describe engaging in a specific activity or function, such as employing a strategy or technique.
Does employ always involve hiring?
No, employ can also mean to use or apply something.
What distinguishes an employee from an independent contractor?
An employee works under the direction and control of an employer, while an independent contractor operates independently.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat