What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
personnel
Example
The personnel department is responsible for hiring and training new employees. [personnel: noun]
Example
All personnel must attend the safety training session next week. [personnel: plural noun]
staff
Example
The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful. [staff: noun]
Example
We need to hire more staff to handle the increased workload. [staff: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Staff is more commonly used than personnel in everyday language. Staff is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while personnel is more specific and may be limited to certain industries or professions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between personnel and staff?
Personnel is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while staff can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
