If it looks like a worker and quacks like a worker, is it a worker? Initiating the development of a precise and robust definition of a worker

Hernandez et al. (2025) extensively evaluate the definition of the term worker-and by extension, work-and argue to include nonhuman animals as workers.We believe this inclusive approach has merit; however, it raises important conceptual questions regarding whether the field of I-O psychology currently possesses a coherent conceptual definition of a worker to support Hernandez et al.'s theoretical foundation.To fully realize the potential of this inclusive perspective, substantial conceptual work remains.Their arguments prompted the authors of this commentary to reflect on how the term worker should be defined and explore using the Podsakoff et al. ( 2016) conceptual construction process to achieve a robust, precise, and theoretically coherent conceptualization.Questions and considerations in defining work and the worker Hernandez et al. begin by arguing that animal labor fits within the definition of "work."They contend that the designation of "worker" should not depend on whether a being is engaged in a "moral and acceptable effort exchange within society" but rather on whether that being's life experiences can be meaningfully analyzed through the lens of I-O psychology (p.5).This assertion invites several philosophical questions about the scope of I-O psychology and the boundaries of its domain.For instance, should "work" encompass ethically contested forms of labor such as sex work, surrogacy, sweatshop labor, human trafficking, or slavery? 1 Hernandez et al. believe so, because these domains are I-O relevant, they have aspects that fulfill some I-O relevant dimension of expertise.Recognizing these activities as "work" also enables I-Os to apply their expertise to advocate for improved labor conditions.However, if the definition of work is expanded, several related questions emerge.Does "work" imply some level of agency or volition, or can it exist under coercion or compulsion? 2 Should I-O psychologists advocate for revisions to the APA Ethical Guidelines to address non consensual or illegal labor, or work that violates human or animal rights? 3 Should I-Os engage with these issues independently, or