This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast episode discusses the unexpected rise in labor productivity growth in the U.S. Host Adrian Ma interviews Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, exploring the mystery behind this increase. Goolsbee presents four potential explanations: increased work-from-home flexibility, labor reallocation due to the "Great Resignation," a surge in new business creation, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the recent dip in productivity, Goolsbee emphasizes the long-term significance of sustained productivity growth for economic well-being. He ultimately concludes that the cause is likely multifaceted and requires further investigation.
