The stick they’ll get if they don’t work? (5)
I believe the answer is:
staff
'the stick' is the definition.
(staff is a kind of stick)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for staff that I've seen before include "Rod; workers" , "teachers employed in school" , "Body of teachers" , "Employees; sign of office" , "Emblem of authority" .)