workforce
UK: ˈwɜːkfɔːs | US: ˈwɜːrkfɔːrs
n. the total number of people who are employed or available for work in a particular area, industry, or country.
n. the collective effort or output of workers in an organization.
The word "workforce" combines "work" (from Old English weorc, meaning "physical or mental effort") and "force" (from Old French force, meaning "strength" or "group"). The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe the collective labor power of a group, reflecting industrialization's focus on organized labor. The morphemes retain their original meanings—"work" as productive activity and "force" as a unified body—creating a vivid image of human effort channeled into economic productivity.
The company plans to expand its workforce by hiring 200 new employees.
Automation has significantly reduced the manufacturing workforce.
A skilled workforce is essential for economic growth.
The pandemic disrupted the global workforce.
The government introduced policies to train the future workforce.