What is a 'paycheck' primarily used for?

A paycheck serves the primary purpose of compensating an employee for the work they have performed. It signifies the financial transaction where an employer provides a specified amount of money to the employee in return for their labor over a particular period, typically weekly, biweekly, or monthly. This amount may reflect the agreed-upon salary, hourly wage, or commission, and it is usually subject to deductions for taxes, benefits, and other withholdings.

While tracking employee performance, documenting work hours, and estimating annual income are important aspects of employment and finance, they are secondary functions in relation to the payment process. The paycheck itself is directly linked to the exchange of labor for compensation, solidifying its primary role in the employment relationship. Thus, the correct focus on a paycheck is its essential function of ensuring that employees are paid for their contributions.