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PRODUCTIVITY   •  Apr 2024  •  Volume 13 / Number 3
Why are average weekly hours worked declining?

Why are average weekly hours worked declining?

Even though U.S. employment has increased since the second quarter of 2020, the average weekly hours worked of employees has declined. Is it unusual for average weekly hours worked to decline while we experience sustained job growth, and what may be contributing to this trend?

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Recent articles
PRODUCTIVITY

Tracking productivity in line-haul railroads

This Beyond the Numbers article will examine labor productivity in the line-haul railroads industry from 2012–21. Specifically, we will explore how rail companies implemented a labor-saving operating system called precision scheduled railroading (PSR) from 2012–19 to increase productivity and cut costs. This article will analyze how the implementation of PSR caused a decline in employment leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. The period after the pandemic, when PSR, supply chain struggles, and labor tensions all affected railroad operations will also be discussed.

EMPLOYMENT & UNEMPLOYMENT

Projected employment growth for community and social service occupations, 2022–32

As Americans confront health and social problems, community and social service occupations are there to help. Trends, such as increased need for elderly care, mental health services, treatment of substance use disorders, and public health and preventative care, are contributing to strong demand for jobs associated with healthcare and social assistance throughout the next decade. But not all jobs associated with these trends provide medical care. Jobs in the community and social service occupational group, which include therapy, counseling, social work, and community outreach, are also expected to see strong employment demand because of these health-related trends. This Beyond the Numbers article explores the various trends supporting growth for community and social service occupations.

PRICES & SPENDING

How have the pandemic and online spending affected Black Friday shopping? Analyzing retail trade margins 2009–22

This Beyond the Numbers article will explore how Black Friday has changed over the years by using CPI and PPI commodity indexes to analyze prices. We’ll look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Black Friday, and how the continuing growth of online shopping has affected the holiday shopping season.