Recent trends in labor productivity

Abstract

PurposeUsing the example of Russia, this paper studied and analyzed productivity of the labor force in agriculture as an important industry for ensuring the sustainable development of the country.Design/methodology/approachAt the first examination stage, the time series of data on labor productivity and real wages in agri-food companies were examined as modern works on the matter tend to highlight the relationship between productivity and remuneration insufficiently. At the second stage, labor productivity was assessed through the rate of change in the share of wages in the gross domestic product. At the last stage, an applied model of the relationship between labor productivity in agriculture and various impact factors was developed.FindingsIt showed that the efficiency of the labor force in the considered area depends greatly on technical equipment and crop yield. Besides, the study findings revealed that the traditional economic relationship between productivity and wages is invalid in the examined regions of Russia. There is a significant reserve for increasing labor productivity by providing additional motivation for employees.Originality/valueThe successful development of agricultural production can be achieved by implementing innovations, facilitating digitalization, attracting investments, increasing the level of interest of those employed in labor results and producing high-quality goods.