The term 'employee-funded' combines 'employee,' originating from the French word 'employé,' meaning 'one who is employed,' and 'funded,' derived from the Latin 'fundus,' meaning 'bottom' or 'base,' referring to financial support.

'Employee' evolved from the French 'employé' in the 19th century, while 'funded' has been used in English since the 16th century, derived from Latin.

Initially, 'funded' referred to financial support or backing, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.