Työvoimaosuus

Työvoimaosuus, or labor share, refers to the proportion of national income that goes to labor in the form of wages and salaries, as opposed to capital, which is received as profits, interest, and rent. It is a key indicator in economic analysis, used to understand the distribution of income between different factors of production. A high labor share suggests that workers are receiving a larger portion of the economic output, while a low labor share indicates that capital owners are benefiting more.

The calculation of the labor share typically involves dividing the total compensation of employees by the gross domestic product (GDP) or national income. Data on labor income and capital income are collected through national accounts statistics. Trends in the labor share over time can reveal important shifts in economic structure, such as the impact of technological change, globalization, or changes in labor market institutions like unionization.

Globally, there has been a general trend of declining labor shares in many developed economies over the past few decades. This phenomenon has sparked considerable debate among economists. Some attribute the decline to the increasing importance of capital and automation, while others point to factors such as rising corporate power, weakening worker bargaining power, and changes in global supply chains. Understanding the drivers of these trends is crucial for policymakers seeking to address issues of income inequality and economic fairness.