'workforce' originates from the combination of 'work' and 'force', where 'work' meant 'activity involving mental or physical effort' and 'force' meant 'strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement'.

'workforce' evolved from the Middle English word 'work' and the Old French word 'force', eventually becoming the modern English word 'workforce'.

Initially, it meant 'the force or power of work', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the group of people engaged in or available for work'.