What defines a household employee?

A household employee is defined primarily by the level of control the employer has over the work being performed. If the employer can dictate not only the tasks to be completed but also how those tasks are to be executed, then the worker qualifies as a household employee. This relationship indicates a significant degree of oversight, distinguishing these employees from independent contractors who typically manage their own methods and means of accomplishing their work.

The other options do not capture the essence of what defines a household employee. For instance, the idea that being a household employee requires full-time status is misleading, as household employees can be part-time as well. Similarly, payment structure, such as hourly pay, does not determine whether someone is classified as a household employee; it is the control over the work that carries the defining weight. Additionally, hiring through an agency does not influence the classification of a household employee either; what’s crucial is the employer's level of control over work processes.