What term refers to individuals who are employed by an employer?

The term that refers to individuals who are employed by an employer is "employee." This designation encompasses anyone who works under the direction of an employer and receives compensation for their work, typically in the form of wages or a salary. Employees are typically subject to the company’s policies and procedures and have a level of job security and benefits that independent contractors or temporary workers may not have.

In contrast, managers are typically employees with additional responsibilities and authority, focusing on overseeing operations or teams rather than being a general term for all workers. Contractors are not employees; they work independently and are often hired for specific projects or time frames, usually without the same benefits and obligations that employees have. Interns may also be individuals working for an employer, often in a temporary position to gain experience or college credit, but they may not fit the standard definition of an employee due to their typically limited engagement with the company's workforce. Therefore, "employee" is the most precise term that captures the broader category of individuals employed by an employer.