Labor Productivity Declined 2.7% in Q1

Washington, DC, May 4, 2023-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity decreased 2.7% in Q1 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 0.2% and hours worked increased 3.0%. 

From the same quarter a year ago, nonfarm business sector labor productivity decreased 0.9%, reflecting a 1.3% increase in output and a 2.3% increase in hours worked. 

The 0.9% productivity decline is the first time the four-quarter change series has remained negative for five consecutive quarters; this series begins in the first quarter of 1948.