Labor Productivity Rose 3.4% in Q1

Washington, DC, June 6, 2019-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased 3.4% in the first quarter of 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 3.9% and hours worked increased 0.5%.

From the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019, productivity increased 2.4%, reflecting a 3.9% increase in output and a 1.5% increase in hours worked. The four-quarter 

increase in productivity is the largest since a 2.7% gain in the third quarter of 2010. 

Labor productivity, or output per hour, is calculated by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked by all persons, including employees, proprietors, and unpaid family workers.

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector decreased 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2019, and decreased 0.8% over the last four quarters-the lowest four-quarter rate since a 1.7% decline 

in the fourth quarter of 2013.