Econintersect: USA global competitiveness fell in the second quarter of 2011. Nonfarm business sector labor productivity decreased at an annualized rate of 0.3%. From the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2011, productivity increased 0.8%.
Labor productivity, or output per hour, is calculated by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked of all persons, including employees, proprietors, and unpaid family workers.
Unit labor costs in nonfarm businesses rose an annualized 2.2% (hourly compensation increased 1.9% while productivity decreased 0.3%). Year-over-year, hourly compensation increased more than output per hour, and unit labor costs rose 1.3%.
