Productivity Rose 3.1% in Quarter Three

Washington, DC, December 6, 2016—Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 3.1% annual Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 3.1% annual rate during the third quarter of 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

reported, as output increased 3.6% and hours worked increased 0.5%.

The quarterly increase in nonfarm business sector labor productivity was the first increase after three consecutive declines in the measure. From the third quarter of 2015 to the third quarter of 2016, productivity was unchanged.

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector increased 0.7% in the

third quarter of 2016, reflecting a 3.8% increase in hourly

compensation and a 3.1% increase in productivity. Unit labor costs

increased 3.0% over the last four quarters.