staff

A staff is a group of workers. In particular, this word is used for offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and organizations. Although the word "staff" refers to members of a group, in American English this word is usually singular; in British English, it’s plural.

• The staff at that company is threatening to quit. (American English)
• The office staff are away on vacation. (British English)
• The company has a very large staff.
• The administration is meeting with faculty and staff. (faculty = teachers; staff = office workers and support)
• A cafeteria is available for hospital staff and visitors to the hospital.
• They need to find an office space for a staff of over 100 people.
• Several new staff members need to be trained on office software. (This sentence uses "staff" as an adjective.)

This company has a small staff.

When the word "staff" is used as a verb, it means to put people into positions:

• They’ve staffed their organization with recent college graduates. (present perfect tense)
• The office is staffed with several very competent people. (present tense, passive voice)

Note: There are other words used to describe groups of workers:

• crew – used for construction and sailing
• team – used for small groups of people
• faculty – used for teachers and professors
• group – used for just about anything
• firm – used by lawyers and accountants
• shift – people who work a particular time

Click here to learn more words.

This page was first published on May 12, 2014.