removing staff

USAGE SUMMARY

"removing staff" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the act of firing, laying off, or otherwise eliminating employees from a company or organization. Example: The company decided to downsize by removing staff in order to cut costs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Ofsted report added that after some of the incidents there had been "unacceptable and inexplicable" delays in removing staff from their roles caring for young people.

Independent

"How many more people will have to cancel holidays, miss weddings and sit out of business meetings in this time?" She called on May to guarantee that removing staff from the border agency does not leave Britain unprotected.

The Guardian

Ofsted also said staff were likely smuggling contraband into the prison and that there had been "unacceptable and inexplicable delays" in removing staff from roles in caring for young people after worrying incidents.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Transport for London is even using it as the impetus to remove staff from ticket offices.

The Guardian - Tech

While Pakistan's news media enjoy relative freedom, some newspapers have been forced to remove staff members after complaints from the government or intelligence agencies.

The New York Times

But it said there is no reason to believe more Canadians could be affected, and there are no plans to change travel advice or remove staff from Cuba.

The Washington Post

On US and UK campuses there is a growing practice of no-platforming, and demands to approve (and remove) staff, and to vet courses and syllabuses deemed "offensive", "disrespectful" and even "discomforting".

The Guardian - Opinion

The body responsible for rejecting Iceland's Christmas ad had to remove staff pictures from its website, shut the company Facebook page and close its switchboard due to the level of abuse following the controversial decision.

The Guardian

Workgroup administrators should remove staff from the appropriate workgroups upon termination of service from the University, when staff relocate to other positions, or when access is no longer required in order to perform a job.

Stanford University

The education secretary, Michael Gove, has appointed a former counter-terrorism police chief to examine claims that an Islamic faction tried to gain influence over schools and remove staff who were unsympathetic, while Birmingham city council is undertaking its own investigation into 25 schools.

The Guardian

It allows those in charge to add and remove staff from the payroll, for example, while sending automatic alerts to employees and admins via email.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "removing staff", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a temporary measure, a layoff, or a termination. Providing further details helps avoid ambiguity and potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague or euphemistic language when discussing "removing staff". While sensitivity is important, being too indirect can obscure the reality of the situation and create confusion or distrust. Balance compassion with clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "removing staff" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it describes the action of reducing the workforce.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "removing staff" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of reducing a workforce. Ludwig indicates that its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia and science. While the phrase itself is neutral, it often carries significant implications for the individuals and organizations involved. When using this phrase, clarity and sensitivity are crucial to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staff reduction

Focuses on the outcome rather than the action of removing, emphasizing the decreased number of employees.

workforce reduction

Similar to "staff reduction" but broader, encompassing all types of workers, not just staff.

downsizing personnel

Highlights the act of reducing the size of the workforce, often for financial reasons.

personnel cuts

A more direct and concise way to refer to the reduction of staff.

eliminating positions

Emphasizes the removal of job roles rather than the employees themselves.

terminating employment

Focuses on the legal and formal aspect of ending someone's job.

laying off employees

Specifically refers to temporary or permanent dismissal of employees, often due to economic reasons.

dismissing personnel

A formal term for firing or removing employees from their positions.

staff departures

Highlights the result of the staff leaving, not the act of removing them.

reducing headcount

Focuses on decreasing the total number of employees in an organization.

FAQs

What does "removing staff" mean in a business context?

In a business setting, "removing staff" generally refers to the process of reducing the number of employees, whether through layoffs, terminations, or attrition. It often implies strategic decisions related to cost-cutting or restructuring.

What are some less direct ways to say "removing staff"?

While clarity is key, you could use phrases like "staff reduction" or "workforce restructuring" to soften the impact, depending on your audience and the context.

Is "removing staff" the same as firing employees?

While firing is one way of "removing staff", the phrase encompasses a broader range of actions. It can also include layoffs, attrition, or the elimination of positions without necessarily implying fault or poor performance on the part of the employee.

What should I consider when writing about "removing staff"?

Be mindful of the impact on affected employees and the overall tone of your message. Balance transparency with sensitivity, and ensure that you're communicating clearly and respectfully.