Meaning and Usage
"员工" refers specifically to people who work for a company or organization. It is a neutral term commonly used in business contexts to denote staff or employees.
Common Collocations
- 员工培训 (employee training): refers to training programs for staff.
- 员工福利 (employee benefits): refers to welfare and benefits provided to employees.
- 员工人数 (number of employees): used when talking about the size of a company's workforce.
Usage Notes
"员工" is used for both blue-collar and white-collar workers and is more formal than colloquial terms like "职员" or "工人". It often appears in plural form with "们" to emphasize the group. Avoid confusing it with "职员" which sometimes implies office staff specifically.
Practical Tips
When talking about people working in a company, "员工" is the go-to word. It fits well in formal writing, business reports, and everyday conversation about work. Use it when discussing company policies, workforce size, or employee activities.