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Is the word funcionários the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and fundamental dictionary definition are identical, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "funcionário" is a generic and highly common term used to refer to almost anyone working in a business, store, or service. In Portugal, while "funcionário" is used, it often carries a more formal connotation or is specifically associated with "funcionário público" (civil servant/public official). For private sector staff, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use "empregado" (for retail/service) or "trabalhador" (for the workforce).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Os funcionários da loja são muito educados. (The store employees are very polite.)
  2. Precisamos contratar novos funcionários para o projeto. (We need to hire new employees for the project.)
  3. Todos os funcionários têm direito ao bônus. (All employees are entitled to the bonus.)
  4. O número de funcionários aumentou este ano. (The number of employees increased this year.)
  5. Falei com os funcionários do restaurante. (I spoke with the restaurant staff.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Os empregados da loja são muito educados. (The store employees are very polite.)
  2. Precisamos contratar novos colaboradores para o projeto. (We need to hire new collaborators/employees for the project.)
  3. Todos os trabalhadores têm direito ao bónus. (All workers/employees are entitled to the bonus.)
  4. O número de colaboradores aumentou este ano. (The number of employees/collaborators increased this year.)
  5. Falei com os empregados do restaurante. (I spoke with the restaurant staff.)