töökaaslastele

Töökaaslastele is the dative plural form of the Estonian noun töökaaslane, meaning colleague or coworker. It is used when directing an action, message, or request toward a group of colleagues, or when addressing them in writing or speech.

The related forms include nominative töökaaslased (colleagues), genitive töökaaslaste (of colleagues), and the comitative töökaaslastega (together with colleagues). The dative plural töökaaslastele is commonly found in internal communications, such as memos, emails, or notes that are intended for colleagues, and can appear as a salutation or as the recipient of information.

Usage examples:

- Töökaaslastele: palun kontrollige dokumenti enne esitamist.

- Meie meeskond jagab selle uuenduse kõikide töökaaslastele, et nad oleksid kursis.

In Estonian, this form conveys a neutral, professional tone suitable for workplace communications. It is distinct from the nominative and genitive forms and should be chosen whenever the intended audience is a group of colleagues. The term is not a pronoun and does not imply hierarchy; it simply identifies the recipients as fellow workers.

Related guidance for writers: when addressing a group in formal notices or instructions, starting with “Töökaaslastele” clarifies whom the message targets. For general reference to the colleagues as a group without direction, the nominative form töökaaslased is used.