# staffing

/ˈstæfɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɑːfɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/staffing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hiring and management

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the process of finding, hiring, and managing the people who work for a company.

For teachers: the administrative process of recruiting and managing personnel within an organisation.

- The hospital is having trouble with staffing because many nurses are retiring.
- Effective staffing requires a delicate balance between budget constraints and the operational need for skilled personnel during peak hours.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a gerund in business contexts.

### 2. the group of workers

noun · CEFR B2

the group of people needed to complete a specific project or task.

For teachers: the specific body of personnel assigned to a particular project, department, or shift.

- We need to increase our staffing for the summer festival next month.
- The current staffing for the research department is insufficient to meet the aggressive deadlines set by the board of directors.

## Examples

- The hospital is currently facing staffing shortages.
- The manager is reviewing the staffing levels to ensure there are enough employees for the holiday rush.
- Effective staffing requires a delicate balance between maintaining operational efficiency and managing the high costs associated with a large permanent workforce.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.