The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word HIRES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
H
I
R
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "employs workers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case employs workers = hires.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HIRES mean?
HIRES noun- Payment for the temporary use of something.
- Reward, payment.
- The state of being hired, or having a job; employment.
- A person who has been hired, especially in a cohort.
- To obtain the services of in return for fixed payment.
- To employ; to obtain the services of (a person) in exchange for remuneration; to give someone a job.
- To exchange the services of for remuneration.
- To accomplish by paying for services.
- To accept employment.