A key employee can be referred to as an individual that has a major impact on decision -making within the organization; a key employee is usually compensated either with benefits or monetary; it can also be both. 

Such individuals are seen as one of the most crucial people to the organization’s operations; they are most of the time at major decisions - making decisions that the leaders within the organization are about to make.

Key employees ensure that operations within the organization are being run smoothly, if the organization is fully office based, the key worker will make sure that the office is opened on time, the heating or air conditioning is on, ensure that all equipment is working properly and fully functioning for each employee to carry out their daily responsibilities.