workforce participation rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "workforce participation rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. Example: "The workforce participation rate has seen a steady increase over the past year, indicating a recovering job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Our analysis finds a decline in workforce participation rate among elderly.

Princeton University

Australia also has a relatively low female workforce participation rate, ranked 14th out of 34 OECD countries in 2010.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

According to a 2013 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 43.8% of Aboriginal people in the West Kimberley region were employed and the workforce participation rate was just 48.2%.

The Guardian

This is one of the unsung benefits of the significant increase in employment we have seen over the past few years, accompanied by a record high female workforce participation rate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, the decline in the workforce participation rate has been of concern to economists, as the baby boom generation leaves the work force, and the health-care law appears to exacerbate that trend.

The Washington Post

Women's workforce participation rate in 1999-2000 increases to a whopping 89% in rural areas, and only declines to 85% in 2011-12 (a decline that can be completely explained by more enrolment in education among the 15-24 agroupoup).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Workforce participation rates lower than they were in 1977.

The Washington Post

A gap of 30-40 pointstage points between men's and women's workforce participation rates is common.

The Economist

"Workforce participation rates for people with disability have declined at the same time as national participation rates have improved," it said.

The Guardian

In India, where the economy has been growing rapidly over the past 30 years, recent statistics appear to show that women's workforce participation rates (already low by international standards) have declined.

The Guardian

I know the President likes to say that we are in the middle of a recovery, but he doesn't like to comment on the fact that we have [one of the lowest] workforce participation rates [for] over three decades.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes in the "workforce participation rate", specify the demographic group (e.g., women, elderly) and time period for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a direct causal relationship between the "workforce participation rate" and other economic indicators without sufficient evidence. Correlation does not equal causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "workforce participation rate" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a key economic indicator. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used to describe and analyze labor market trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "workforce participation rate" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the percentage of the working-age population actively engaged in the labor market. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its versatility and importance in economic discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can be used more formally depending on the context. Related phrases include "labor force participation rate" and "employment rate". When using the phrase, it's essential to specify the demographic group and time period for clarity and avoid misinterpreting correlation as causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Labor force participation rate

This alternative emphasizes the 'labor' aspect, focusing on the segment of the population actively engaged in work or seeking it.

Active labor supply

Focuses on the number of workers actively available and engaged in the labor market.

Employment rate

This term focuses specifically on the proportion of the population that is currently employed, without explicitly considering those seeking work.

Workforce involvement

This refers to the degree to which people are actively participating in the labor force.

Percentage of employed individuals

This is a descriptive alternative that highlights the proportion of people with jobs.

Manpower utilization rate

This term is commonly used in business or economic contexts to refer to the active employment or availability of employees.

Job market engagement

This alternative focuses on the level of involvement or activity within the job market.

Extent of labor utilization

This alternative emphasizes how effectively labor resources are being used within an economy.

Work rate

This is shorter, less technical, and refers to the pace at which work is done.

Level of economic activity

This is a broader term that encompasses overall participation in economic activities, including employment.

FAQs

How is the "workforce participation rate" calculated?

The "workforce participation rate" is calculated by dividing the number of people in the labor force (those who are employed or actively seeking employment) by the total working-age population and multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

What factors can influence the "workforce participation rate"?

Several factors influence the "workforce participation rate", including demographic shifts (such as aging populations), economic conditions, government policies, education levels, and social norms.

What does a declining "workforce participation rate" indicate?

A declining "workforce participation rate" may indicate that a smaller proportion of the working-age population is employed or actively seeking employment, which can have implications for economic growth and social security systems. Factors like retirement, disability, or discouragement from seeking work can contribute to this decline.

What are some alternative phrases for "workforce participation rate"?

You can use alternatives like "labor force participation rate", "employment rate", or "job market engagement", depending on the specific context.