A proposal is a formal document written to obtain something.

When additional staff is required, a manager or employee of a company develops a request, beginning by stating the problem or issue, such as decreasing productivity or efficiency. Next, the writer offers the solution -- hiring more employees -- and explains why this action will solve the problem. Like all successful proposals, a proposal for more staff should be professional in tone, clearly written and easy for the reader to understand.

Decide who will write the proposal for additional staff. Either employees or managers can do this. While this is most often a managerial task, employees may originate the proposal because they feel overworked and believe the company should hire more people to alleviate the situation. Whoever writes the proposal should address it to the person or people who can approve the staffing request: top management, the owner of the company or the human resources manager.

Define the problem or issue and offer a solution. The body of the letter begins by stating the exact problem. In this case, it may be that the employees are feeling overworked and are tired of putting in too much overtime. And the overtime bill might have reached the point where additional hiring would be more cost-effective.

Offer a proposed solution. The writer should state this very clearly allowing the reader to understand exactly what she is requesting. The proposed solution should state that hiring additional staff will help to solve the problem, and explain how having more employees will accomplish this objective.

Add any facts that are pertinent to the proposal. Include statistical information such as the average number of hours each employee has worked over the past six months. You can compare this to the average number of hours employees worked one or two years ago. Mention any other facts that will help to sell your idea.

State the financial effects of the proposed idea. A good proposal requires some research especially when it comes to the financial details. The reader will want to know how much this proposal, if accepted, will cost the company. For this type of proposal, include possible wage amounts and details regarding how much money the company will save by not paying overtime after additional employees are on the job.

Conclude the letter and sign it. Thank the reader for taking time to consider the proposal and offer a deadline for a response, if applicable. Sign the letter and deliver it to the appropriate person.