Background:

Alex Johnson $is$ a software developer who has been working with TechSolutions Inc. for the past

year. TechSolutions Inc. $is$ a mid$-$sized company specializing $in$ developing custom software

solutions for various clients. Alex$s$ role involves coding, debugging, and maintaining software

applications.

Details:

$1.$ Work Arrangement:

$o$ Alex works from home and has a flexible schedule. $Heis$ required $to$ complete $40$

hours $of$ work per week but can choose when $to$ work those hours.

$o$ Alex uses his own computer and software tools $to$ complete his tasks.

$oHe$ submits weekly progress reports $to$ his manager, Sarah, and attends a biweekly virtual team meeting.

$o$ Occasionally, Alex $is$ required $to$ attend $in-$person meetings $at$ the TechSolutions

Inc. office, which $is$ a two$-$hour drive from his home.

$2.$ Payment and Benefits:

$o$ Alex $is$ paid a fixed monthly fee $of$ $$6,000,$ regardless $of$ the number $of$ hours

worked.

$oHe$ does not receive any employee benefits such $as$ health insurance, paid leave,

$or$ retirement contributions.

$o$ TechSolutions Inc. does not withhold taxes from Alex$s$ payments; $heis$

responsible for his own tax filings.

$o$ Alex received a one$-$time bonus $of$ $$2,000$ for completing a major project ahead

$of$ schedule.

$3.$ Control and Independence:

$o$ Alex decides how $to$ approach and complete his tasks, with minimal supervision

from Sarah.

$oHe$ can accept $or$ decline additional projects offered $by$ TechSolutions Inc.

$o$ Alex $is$ free $to$ work for other clients and has taken $on$ projects from two other

companies during the past year.

$o$ TechSolutions Inc. provided Alex with specific training $on$ their proprietary

software and coding standards.

$4.$ Integration and Relationship:

$o$ Alex$s$ work $is$ integral $to$ TechSolutions Inc.$\text{'}s$ operations, $ashe$ contributes $to$ key

projects for their clients.

$oHe$ has a company email address and $is$ listed $on$ the company website $asa$

team member.

$o$ Alex has been working with TechSolutions Inc. continuously for the past year

without a formal contract renewal.

$o$ Alex occasionally participates $in$ company social events and team$-$building

activities.

$5.$ Additional Factors:

$o$ Alex signed a non$-$compete agreement that restricts him from working with direct

competitors $of$ TechSolutions Inc. for six months after the end $of$ his engagement.

$oHe$ also signed a confidentiality agreement $to$ protect TechSolutions Inc.$\text{'}s$

proprietary information.

$o$ Alex has a dedicated workspace $at$ home that $he$ uses exclusively for his work

with TechSolutions Inc.

$o$ TechSolutions Inc. reimburses Alex for certain work$-$related expenses, such $as$

internet costs and software licenses.

Required:

Based $on$ the information provided, assess whether Alex Johnson should $be$ classified $asan$

employee $oran$ independent contractor. $Be$ sure $todo$ a thorough analysis before coming $to$ a conclusion