Who is typically included under the definition of "employee" in most compensation laws?

In the context of most compensation laws, "employee" typically refers to individuals who are directly hired and under the control of an employer, but this can also extend to certain types of workers who have a legal relationship with the employer. Leased workers, who are employees of one company but are placed at the client’s workplace for work, are often considered employees under compensation laws. This inclusion ensures that these workers are entitled to the same protections as regular employees, such as coverage under workers' compensation laws.

Independent contractors are usually not classified as employees because they operate independently and have more control over how they perform their work. Temporary workers, while often working in similar environments, may still fall into the category of contingent workers and might not always receive the same protections unless specified by law. Volunteers are typically excluded from the definition of "employee" altogether as they do not receive compensation for their services and do not have the same employer-employee relationship. Thus, leased workers are recognized under compensation laws to ensure comprehensive coverage and protection in the workplace.