The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MANNING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
A
N
N
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result MANNING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Providing people to work" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case providing people to work = manning.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MANNING mean?
MANNING verb- To supply (something) with staff or crew (of either sex).
- To take up position in order to operate (something).
- (possibly obsolete) To brace (oneself), to fortify or steel (oneself) in a manly way. (Compare man up.)
- To wait on, attend to or escort.
- To accustom (a raptor or other type of bird) to the presence of people.