Productivity Archives - CFO

U.S. Productivity Grows at Revised 1.2% Rate in Q4

U.S. Productivity Grows at Revised 1.2% Rate in Q4

After the third-quarter contraction, “There is hope that the recent slight productivity uptick may lead to better results in the future."

By Matthew Heller | March 5, 2020

U.S. Labor Costs Growth Lowered to 2.5% for Q3

U.S. Labor Costs Growth Lowered to 2.5% for Q3

The sharp downward revision suggests inflation will continue to run below the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

By Matthew Heller | December 10, 2019

U.S. Productivity Surges to 3.6% Gain in Q1

U.S. Productivity Surges to 3.6% Gain in Q1

“The rebound in productivity is restraining labor costs and keeping inflation in check,” an economist says.

By Matthew Heller | May 2, 2019

Use Tax Time to Decrease Your International Business Risk

Use Tax Time to Decrease Your International Business Risk

Here are four ways a tax season global business review can be used to improve productivity and risk mitigation.

By Lauren Muskett | March 8, 2019

U.S. Productivity Revised Down to 0.4% for Q1

U.S. Productivity Revised Down to 0.4% for Q1

“Without stronger productivity, achieving the 3% growth rate President Donald Trump has set as a goal becomes more difficult."

By Matthew Heller | June 6, 2018

US Productivity Posts Unexpected 0.1% Drop

US Productivity Posts Unexpected 0.1% Drop

The Q4 decline follows a 2.7% gain in Q3 but economists believe higher capital spending could lift productivity this year.

By Matthew Heller | February 1, 2018

Counteracting a ‘Can’t-Do’ Attitude

Workplace Issues

Counteracting a ‘Can’t-Do’ Attitude

Is the spread of “learned helplessness” sapping your company of its productivity? Here’s how you can tell — and what you can do about it.

By Keith Button | January 2, 2018

Yellen Skeptical About Trump’s Growth Target

Yellen Skeptical About Trump’s Growth Target

The Fed chair says the 3% target "would be quite challenging" given sluggish productivity and declining labor force growth.

By Matthew Heller | July 14, 2017

Productivity Growth Revised Upward to Zero

Productivity Growth Revised Upward to Zero

Despite the revision, productivity in the first quarter still showed the worst performance since the second quarter of last year.

By Matthew Heller | June 5, 2017

U.S. Productivity Rises 1.3% in Fourth Quarter

U.S. Productivity Rises 1.3% in Fourth Quarter

The broader trend remains weak, with productivity rising just 0.2% in 2016 from 2015, the smallest annual gain since 2011.

By Matthew Heller | February 3, 2017

10 Questions for Technology Optimists

10 Questions for Technology Optimists

It's useful for optimistic technophiles to ask hard questions about just what contributions technology is really making.

By John Parkinson | November 9, 2016

U.S. Productivity Drops for Third Straight Quarter

U.S. Productivity Drops for Third Straight Quarter

Economists are concerned the continuing stall in ouput will restrain the growth of the economy as a whole.

By Matthew Heller | August 10, 2016

China Has a Productivity Opportunity: McKinsey

China Has a Productivity Opportunity: McKinsey

To prevent a hard landing, China needs to avoid overbuilt industries and direct investment to sectors that have the ability to raise productivity.

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | June 23, 2016

U.S. Productivity Falls Sharply Lower

U.S. Productivity Falls Sharply Lower

More workers were hired and many put in more hours, but overall they produced less, said the Labor Department.

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | February 4, 2016

Microsoft Makes AI Play With Deal for SwiftKey

Microsoft Makes AI Play With Deal for SwiftKey

The developer of a popular app for typing on mobile devices is the latest U.K. company with advanced AI capabilities to be snapped up by Silicon Valley.

By Matthew Heller | February 3, 2016