Leaders.com
  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
  • Master Classes
  • Business
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Executives
    • Marketing and Sales
    • Social Media
    • Innovation
    • Women in Business
  • Leadership
    • Personal Growth
    • Company Culture
    • Public Speaking
    • Productivity
    • Hiring
    • Social Issues
    • Leaders
  • Wealth
    • Investing
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Retirement
    • Venture Capital
    • Loans and Borrowing
    • Taxes
    • Markets
    • Real Estate
  • Master Classes
Productivity worker productivity

(Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images)

By Hannah Bryan Leaders Staff

Hannah Bryan

News Writer

Hannah Bryan is a news writer for Leaders Media. Most recently she was a reporter for the Sanilac County News...

Full bio


Learn about our editorial policy

Dec 9, 2022

New Insights Into Worker Productivity

Worker productivity is trending downward according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but other studies tell a different story.

Key Details

  • By dividing the hours of work put out by the number of active employees, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) determined that labor productivity is declining this year. 
  • Productivity did increase 0.3% in the third quarter, but this did little to make up for the productivity drop in the beginning of the year. 
  • Productivity declined 7.4% in the first quarter and another 4.1% in the second quarter.
  • Despite the BLS findings, other studies have found the exact opposite—that productivity is up.  

Why it’s news

Before quiet quitting, hustle culture was taking over the workplace. This mindset promoted workers going above and beyond the job description, often to the point of exhaustion.

It seems hustle culture is on its way out the door as more employees say that they are doing the minimum requirements at their job. Some even admit to doing less, according to a ResumeBuilder survey. 

One way quiet quitting is taking shape is employees are reducing their work hours. This reduction could contribute to the U.S. BLS findings. 

In the same survey, 83% of respondents explain that their practice of doing the minimum is related to feeling burnt out. This feeling of burn out seems to be driving the quiet quitting trend as more employees focus on a healthier work/life balance.

Critics of the trend suggest that employees should talk to managers about new positions or responsibilities in the company to help them feel excited about work again. Many point out that the employees who are willing to go above and beyond are more likely to see promotions and growth in their career.

The other side

Since the pandemic, remote work has grown more popular with employees, and the new work arrangement is turning out to be remarkably productive. 

With fewer workers coming into the office, some managers worried that employees weren’t working as hard, but a new study from University of Texas professor Andrew Brodsky tells a different story. 

Findings from Brodsky’s study show that workers are becoming more engaged and more productive with the freedom to work remotely. Other studies show that remote work may even prompt employees to work for longer periods of time due to lack of commute. 

More jobs are able to be done remotely. A Gallup poll from last year found that nearly 50% of all full time jobs can be completed from home. 

For many employees, work from home has become a must when looking for a job. More job seekers are looking for remote jobs, and many currently employed workers say they would consider looking for another job if forced back to the office, Fortune’s Chantel Rowe reports. 

Employees have found that remote work is better able to promote their work/life balance—and that’s something they don’t want to give up.

Home / News / New Insights Into Worker Productivity
Share
FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Related Stories

Seattle Takes The Crown For Advanced Tech Talent

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Tech

Oct 24, 2023

Seattle tech talent

Seattle has emerged as the metro area with the most advanced tech talent, beating out tech hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Key Details

  • According to a new ranking by the Burning Glass Institute, Seattle has the highest proportion of advanced tech workers compared to other cities with similarly sized tech workforces.
  • The ranking evaluated 60 million high-paying, in-demand tech job postings and histories to identify cities with cutting-edge roles like AI and cybersecurity rather than legacy tech positions.
  • With tech giants Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in Seattle, the city edged out the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Austin, and Raleigh on the list.
  • The report found that demand for software developers and IT support specialists has declined over the past five years as companies seek more specialized tech talent.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

More Americans Can’t Keep Up With Car Payments

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
Loans and Borrowing

Oct 23, 2023

car loans, used cars

A record number of Americans are behind on their car loan payments as higher interest rates and prices weigh on consumers.

Key Details

  • According to data from Fitch Ratings, 6.11% of car loans were at least 60 days delinquent in September, the highest since tracking began in the early 2000s.
  • Some interest rates on used cars can rise to as much as 21%, according to Bankrate.
  • Soaring prices and rising interest rates are squeezing consumers, making it difficult for some to keep up with their auto loans.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Chevron Makes $53 Billion Deal Amid Surging Gas Prices

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Markets

Oct 23, 2023

Chevron Gas Deal

Chevron is acquiring Hess Corp. for $53 billion, the second significant oil producer acquisition this month as crude prices climb.

Key Details

  • Chevron is purchasing Hess in an all-cash deal worth $53 billion, including debt and preferred stock redemption.
  • This comes just weeks after ExxonMobil announced its $59.5 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources.
  • With oil over $80 per barrel, major producers are using their windfall profits to acquire smaller players and boost payouts to shareholders.
  • Chevron expects the deal to close in H1 2023 pending regulatory approvals and Hess shareholder vote.
  • Hess CEO John Hess will join Chevron's board once the acquisition is complete.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn
nike logo
Company Culture

Oct 20, 2023

Nike to Require More In-Office Days From Employees

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
blue collar workers
Retirement

Oct 20, 2023

Explaining The ‘C+ Grade’ Retirement Ecosystem in The United States

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
netflix building
Entertainment

Oct 19, 2023

Netflix Hiking Prices While Adding Millions of Subscribers

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff

Recent Articles

Hiring

Nov 1, 2023

Learn the Winning Answers to the Most Common Phone Interview Questions

Come to your next phone interview fully prepared

Personal Growth

Oct 30, 2023

85 Quotes on Self-Love to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Don’t fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism

Company Culture

Oct 27, 2023

What is a Sabbatical? Your Ticket to Restful Growth and Meaning

Sabbaticals can benefits both employees and businesses

  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
Join the Leaders Community

Get exclusive tools and resources you need to grow as a leader and scale a purpose-driven business.

Subscribing indicates your consent to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Leaders.com
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Member Login

© 2025 Leaders.com - All rights reserved.

Search Leaders.com