An independent contractor who takes on short-term jobs or projects for various clients.

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These workers are part of the gig economy, which is characterized by flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs, often facilitated by digital platforms. Gig workers are responsible for managing their schedules, workload, and taxes, and they typically do not receive traditional employment benefits. This model allows for greater flexibility and autonomy, enabling workers to choose projects that fit their skills and interests.

A cloud-based technology platform designed to streamline the management of freelancers.

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These systems handle various functions such as sourcing talent, onboarding, project management, compliance, invoicing, and payments, making it easier for companies to manage their freelance workforce efficiently. By centralizing these tasks, FMS helps organizations save time, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while effectively leveraging freelance talent.

An emerging employment model in which an employee is hired for a fraction of the 40-hour work week.

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Similar to a contractor or freelancer, a fractional employee spends a specific amount of time each week with an employer or multiple employers, offering a portion of their time and expertise. This arrangement provides flexibility for both the employee and the employer, allowing companies to access specialized skills and knowledge without the commitment of a full-time position, while employees can diversify their work experience and manage their schedules more effectively.

A contractual work arrangement where an employee is hired for a specific, limited period of time.

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This period can be determined by a set end date, a particular project's completion, or a specific event's occurrence. Fixed-term employees typically have similar rights to permanent employees, including benefits and protections, unless there is a valid reason to treat them differently. This type of employment is often used to cover temporary staff shortages, seasonal work, or to bring in specialized skills for a specific project. Fixed-term employment provides flexibility for employers to manage workforce needs without long-term commitments.

A suite of processes and policies designed to support employees assigned to work in a foreign country, commonly known as expatriates or expats.

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Effective expat management includes everything from pre-assignment planning and visa and immigration support to housing and schooling assistance, and even repatriation programs. Businesses with international operations must ensure their expat employees are well-supported throughout their assignments to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction.

An individual who consistently handles the most mundane, repetitive, and labor-intensive tasks within a workplace. Often overlooked and underappreciated, a donkey employee performs the essential, albeit unglamorous, duties that keep operations running smoothly. These tasks, which are usually unskilled and require significant effort, are vital to the overall success of the organization but seldom receive recognition or reward.

A phenomenon where employees engage in work-related tasks beyond their regular working hours. This often extends into evenings, weekends, or holidays, through digital communication channels such as emails, messaging apps, or virtual collaboration platforms.

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Especially relevant in the context of remote work and the widespread use of digital technologies, digital presenteeism can lead to increased stress and burnout as employees feel the pressure to be constantly available and responsive, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life.

A third-party company or entity that serves as the official employer for contract or temporary workers.

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In an HR context, this arrangement is often used to simplify payroll, benefits administration, and compliance issues for businesses that utilize temporary or contract workers. The CoR assumes responsibility for employment-related tasks such as issuing paychecks, withholding taxes, providing benefits, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, thereby allowing the hiring company to focus on its core business activities.

A self-employed individual or entity contracted to perform work for or provide services to another entity as a non-employee.

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They are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, unlike employees. Contractors are often hired for their specialized skills or to complete specific projects, providing businesses with flexibility and expertise without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee. See also: 1099 Worker, Casual Worker, Freelancer, Gig Worker.