Productivity Rose 4.6% in Q3

Washington, DC, December 8, 2020-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased 4.6% in the third quarter of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 43.4% and hours worked increased 37.1%. 

The 4.6% gain in productivity in the third quarter follows an increase of 10.6% during the second quarter. Over the last four quarters, nonfarm business productivity increased 4.0%, reflecting a 3.4% decline in output and a 7.1% decline in hours worked.