The term 'short staff' can refer to a variety of different jobs. The crossword solutions for this term are CANE (4 letters), Elves (5 letters), and Assts (5 letters). CANE refers to a walking stick or staff used by the elderly or disabled to help them walk. Elves are mythical creatures often associated with Santa Claus and his workshop. Assts is an abbreviation for assistants, which are people who help others with tasks or duties. All three of these terms can be used to describe a short staff, as they all involve helping or assisting someone in some way.