Workforce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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workforce

[ˈwəːk.ˌfɔːs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

The employees or workers of a specific company or organization, collectively.

Synonyms

employees, personnel, staff, workmen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
workforce	Used to refer to the total number of people working in a company, industry, or country. It is a broad term encompassing all workers. The company is planning to expand its workforce by 20% next year The aging workforce poses a challenge for many industries
staff	Used to refer to the group of people who work at a particular place or within a particular department. It often implies a sense of teamwork. The hospital staff worked tirelessly during the outbreak The office staff includes secretaries, clerks, and managers
personnel	Often used in formal contexts to refer to the people who work in an organization, especially in relation to matters of administration or human resources. The human resources department manages all personnel records Personnel must wear identification badges at all times
employees	Refers to individuals who work for a company or organization and receive compensation. It emphasizes the employer-employee relationship. The company offers its employees health benefits and paid vacations New employees are required to attend an orientation session
workmen	Refers specifically to manual laborers, usually in construction or similar types of work. It emphasizes the labor aspect and physical effort. The workmen were busy repairing the road Skilled workmen are essential for building strong infrastructure

Examples of usage

The workforce at the factory has been reduced due to the economic downturn.
The company is investing in training programs to upskill its workforce.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in economics

The total number of people who are employed or available for work in a specific area or country.

Synonyms

labor force, work pool, working population.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
workforce	Refers broadly to all the people engaged in or available for work, either in a specific company, industry, or region. The company is expanding its workforce to meet the new demand. The local workforce is highly skilled.
labor force	Used in economic and statistical contexts to describe all able-bodied people who are capable of working and are either employed or actively looking for work. The labor force participation rate has increased this year. The country's labor force is growing rapidly.
work pool	Commonly refers to a group of people available for specific jobs or tasks, often within a temporary or project-based setting. We need to tap into the freelance work pool for this project. The work pool for event management has expanded recently.
working population	Used in demographic and economic studies to describe the segment of the population that is engaged in or available for work, typically within a defined age range. The working population is aging, posing challenges for pension systems. Policies need to address the needs of the working population.

Examples of usage

The country has a large workforce, but not enough jobs for everyone.
The workforce participation rate is a key indicator of economic health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

The concept of a workforce became prominent during the Industrial Revolution, as factories required a significant number of workers, leading to urban migration.
Post-World War II, many countries saw a rise in their workforce as women entered the job market in larger numbers, shifting societal norms.

Economics

The size and skill level of a workforce can significantly impact a country's economic growth and productivity.
Labor market trends show fluctuations in the workforce due to factors like technological advancements, recessions, and demographic changes.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have varying approaches to workforce management, with some emphasizing collective well-being over individual achievements.
Workplace diversity has been increasingly recognized as vital to innovation and problem-solving within the workforce.

Future Trends

The rise of remote work has changed the traditional concept of a workforce, allowing people to work from anywhere.
Automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping what skills are needed in the workforce, leading to a demand for continuous learning.

Origin of 'workforce'

Main points about word origin

The word 'workforce' combines 'work' (from Old English 'wyrcan', meaning to do or make) and 'force' (from Latin 'fortis', meaning strong), emphasizing a strong group doing work.
The term first appeared in the early 20th century, highlighting the importance of organized labor as economies industrialized.

The term 'workforce' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'work' and 'force' to refer to the collective labor or workers in a company or region. As industrialization grew, the concept of the workforce became essential in understanding labor dynamics and economic productivity.