PRODUCTIVITY
U.S. employment has increased steadily since the second quarter of 2020—the low point of the COVID-19 pandemic recession—adding more than 21 million jobs and growing at an average annual rate of 5.6 percent since that time. Alongside these employment gains is a perhaps lesser-known story: a string of declines in the average weekly hours worked of employees. This measure has fallen in six of the last seven quarters and has receded back to its level in the second quarter of 2020. This trend prompts the question: is it unusual for average weekly hours worked to decline while we experience sustained job growth? And what may be contributing to this trend?
PRODUCTIVITY
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
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.
United States Department of Labor
