Available To Work? Near 45 Year Record Of Americans Saying No

The number of Americans deciding to work, as measured by the Labor Participation Rate is at its lowest rate since October 1977 despite a sharp recovery since the pandemic related lockdown.

Just 62.4% of Americans who could participate in the labor market report that they are available to work or that they are working a drop of of nearly 10% since the beginning of the recession following the tech stock bubble in 2002.

The participation rate is absolutely essential to understanding the true unemployment rate and ultimately the health of the economy. In 1977 for instance, women were moving in large percentages which led to the growth in the number of workers available from 1977 through 2002 despite recessions and other economic challenges.

Here is an interactive analysis of the labor participation rate by the St. Louis Federal Reserve which is the source for the chart above.

The Association of Western Employers is dedicated to helping employers of all types to create career building job opportunities while helping employees develop those careers because every American deserves the opportunity for a great career.