MONET 2030: Labour productivity


SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Swiss target 8.2: Framework conditions enabling competition and innovation as well as productivity for a sustainable economy are preserved and further enhanced.

Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the evolution of labour productivity per actual hours worked. Labour productivity shows the relationship between gross value added and actual hours worked. It measures the efficiency with which human resources are used in the production process. If a country increases its labour productivity to an above-average level, it also becomes more competitive, which in general allows it to maintain or create jobs. An increase in the labour productivity is therefore a step towards sustainable development.

Help for interpretation
In order to measure the evolution of labour productivity, the index value of 100 is assigned to the year 1991. A value of less than 100 means a decrease of labour productivity, while a greater value means an increase compared to 1991. This indicator does not provide any precise information on employment. When not accompanied by economic growth, an increase in labour productivity may also entail a decline in work volume (so-called lean production). A decline in work volume translates into a fall in employment, unless the increase in productivity is offset by a reduction in working hours. Conversely, any economic growth is likely to result in an increase in the consumption of natural resources and energy.

International comparability
As the types of survey, calculation methods and general conditions (economic structure, employment rate, working time, supply of natural resources) vary between countries, comparisons can only be made in terms of the evolution rather than absolute figures.


Tables

Methodology

This indicator provides information on the evolution of hourly labour productivity (ratio between gross value added at previous year’s prices and actual hours worked). The evolution is presented using an index (1991 = 100). The FSO publishes labour productivity data every year as part of the national accounts.
The volume of actual hours worked is calculated by the Federal Statistical Office as part of the Work Volume Statistics (WV), which are summary statistics. It includes all persons who, during the reference year, spent at least one hour doing productive work, as defined in the national accounts (NA). Hours paid but not worked, such as holiday, military service and maternity leave are not taken into account. This figure comprises hours worked by all categories of persons carrying out paid work, including persons working from home, those employed by private households and self-employed persons.

Targets

Swiss target 8.2: Framework conditions enabling competition and innovation as well as productivity for a sustainable economy are preserved and further enhanced.

International target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.

Contact

Federal Statistical Office Section Environment, Sustainable Development, Territory
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 460 58 46

Monday - Friday:
09.00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 16.00

Contact

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