Employers are the backbone of every workforce, shaping not only the structure of organizations but also the experience of employees worldwide. As global hiring accelerates and remote work becomes standard, understanding what it means to be an employer—and the responsibilities that come with it—has never been more important. According to a 2024 report by Gartner, 58% of companies now employ remote or hybrid teams, highlighting the need for clear employer roles and robust global workforce management software.
An employer is an individual or organization—public, private, nonprofit, or business—that hires people to perform specific tasks or services under a formal or informal agreement [1] [2]. The employer holds the authority to direct and control how work is completed, including setting expectations, providing resources, and establishing workplace culture[1] [2]. This control is a defining feature of the employer-employee relationship.
Key characteristics of an employer:
For example, a tech startup hiring software engineers on a full-time basis, providing them with equipment, and setting project deadlines is acting as an employer.
CriteriaEmployer-Employee RelationshipIndependent Contractor RelationshipControl over workHighLowPayment structureSalary/hourly/commissionPer project or milestoneTools & equipmentProvided by employerProvided by contractorDurationOngoingTemporary or project-based
Employers have significant legal responsibilities that go beyond simply hiring and paying workers. These obligations are designed to protect employees and foster a fair, safe, and inclusive workplace [3].
Employers must comply with federal, state, and local labor laws. This includes:
Accurate payroll management is a core employer responsibility. This involves:
Ontop’s global payroll solutions simplify these processes, ensuring businesses remain compliant across 150+ countries while offering instant USD payments and robust documentation management.
A safe workplace is a legal and ethical requirement. Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, employers must:
Employers set the tone for workplace safety by:
Managing payroll and benefits is increasingly complex, especially for companies with international teams. Employers must:
Modern employers rely on workforce management platforms to:
Key features to look for:
Ontop’s platform stands out by combining these features with instant USD payments and a Visa card for workers, making it a top choice for businesses hiring globally.
Remote work introduces new challenges for employers, including:
Example: A company using Ontop’s workforce management platform can hire, pay, and support employees in over 150 countries, all while maintaining compliance and offering financial benefits like the Ontop Visa card.
Ontop provides a comprehensive suite of tools for employers managing international teams. The platform handles:
Why Ontop?
Ontop’s solutions help businesses scale confidently, knowing their employer responsibilities are covered.
Employers play a pivotal role in shaping the modern workforce. Their responsibilities span legal compliance, payroll, health and safety, and employee well-being. As remote work and international hiring become the norm, employers need reliable partners and robust tools to meet these demands.
Ontop’s global payroll solutions and workforce management platform empower employers to hire, pay, and support talent anywhere in the world—compliantly and efficiently. To learn more about how Ontop can help your business meet its employer responsibilities, explore our platform or connect with our team today[3].
[1] https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/what-is-the-definition-of-an-employer
[2] https://legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/e/employer
[3] https://www.getontop.com/blog/who-is-an-employer-understanding-their-role-and-responsibilities
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