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An essential worker whose role is critical to society's functioning, often in sectors like healthcare, education, or public services.
During the lockdown, keyworkers kept hospitals and schools running.
This highlights their indispensable role in maintaining essential services.
The term gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic to recognize frontline workers.
A worker with specialized skills or access that makes them indispensable in a particular organization or system.
The IT keyworker had access to all systems, making them crucial for troubleshooting.
This shows how certain roles are vital due to their unique access or expertise.
In business contexts, it may refer to employees with unique knowledge or permissions.
The meaning shifts between societal importance (sociology) and organizational necessity (business).
Reserve 'keyworker' for truly indispensable roles to maintain its impact.
From 'key' (essential) + 'worker' (employee), popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Often used in discussions about labor rights, public health, and economic policy.