Arbeitskräftequote

Arbeitskräftequote, also labor force participation rate, is the share of people of working age who are part of the labor force. That includes those who are employed and those who are unemployed but actively seeking work. It is typically expressed as a percentage and can be defined for different age ranges, commonly 15–64 years in many European statistics or 15–74 years in other data sets.

Measurement and data sources: The rate is calculated as (employed + active job seekers) divided by the population of the working-age group, times 100. Data come from national statistical offices, Eurostat in the European Union, and international organizations such as the OECD or ILO. Definitions and age ranges may vary slightly between sources, which can affect comparability over time or across countries.

Determinants and interpretation: The Arbeitskräftequote reflects both demographic structure and economic conditions. It is influenced by birth rates, aging, migration, retirement policies, education and skills, unemployment incentives, childcare availability, health, and cultural norms. A higher rate indicates a larger portion of the population is either working or seeking work, contributing to potential labor supply and economic growth; a lower rate can signal demographic constraints or barriers to participation.

Breakdowns and use: The rate can be disaggregated by gender, age groups, regions, and educational attainment to analyze disparities and trends. It is used alongside the employment rate and unemployment rate to assess the overall capacity of the economy to mobilize labor, and to project potential GDP.

Limitations: Comparability may be affected by differing age definitions and measurement conventions. The concept does not capture discouraged workers who stop seeking work, and it may be influenced by policy changes such as retirement ages or disability benefits.