What is a leased worker?

A leased worker is specifically defined as a worker who is provided to an employer through a labor leasing firm, which is responsible for payroll, benefits, and other employment-related functions. This arrangement allows businesses to access labor without the responsibilities of being the direct employer. It is particularly beneficial for companies that may need flexibility in staffing or wish to manage labor costs effectively.

In contrast, a worker hired directly by the employer would not fall under the category of a leased worker because they are not sourced through a labor leasing arrangement. Similarly, part-time workers, while potentially hired for seasonal demands, do not share the same contractual and employment relationship characteristics that define leased workers. Temporary workers for specific projects might also not align with the structure of labor leasing, as they can be one-off agreements rather than ongoing employment managed through a leasing firm. Thus, the definition of a leased worker distinctly encompasses the relationship between the employer and the labor leasing firm, making this answer the most accurate in the context of the question.