Personnel
ˌpɜːrsəˈnel
Definitions
2 meaningsThe body of persons employed by a company or organization.
ˌpɜːrsəˈnel
The people employed in an organization or business.
The personnel department is responsible for hiring and firing employees.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big team, like a sports team, but it's the workers in a company or an organization. It's all the people who work there! Example: If the company has problems, then the personnel department is the group to help.
👶 For kids: All the people who work in a place, like a school or a store. They are the 'workers' or 'staff'.
More Examples
The company's personnel consists of over 500 employees.
The manager had to address the concerns of the personnel.
How It's Used
"The company's personnel department handles all employee-related matters."
"The military personnel were deployed to the front lines."
Relating to employees of a company or organization.
ˌpɜːrsəˈnel
Relating to or concerning the personnel of an organization.
The company's personnel records are kept confidential.
💡 Simply: This word describes things that have to do with the workers in a company or organization. If the personnel department is working on sick leave, it means they are figuring out the policy for the workers.
👶 For kids: When something is about the people who work somewhere. Like, 'Personnel rules' are the rules for the workers.
More Examples
She is the personnel director.
The personnel manager is responsible for employee training.
How It's Used
"The company has a personnel policy regarding sick leave."
"A personnel file should contain all the relevant details of an employee."
Idioms & expressions
personnel file
A confidential record containing information about an employee's work history, performance, and personal details.
"The company keeps a detailed personnel file for each employee."
personnel department
The department within an organization responsible for all matters related to employees.
"Contact the personnel department for information about benefits."
From French *personnel* meaning 'of persons', ultimately from Latin *persona* ('mask, character').
The term 'personnel' gained prominence in business and organizational contexts during the 20th century, replacing older terms related to employment.
Memory tip
Think of the people, not just the place. Personnel is about the people!