Describes the design, coverage, output, and availability of results of a new annual survey on the incidence and characteristics of employee benefit plans in the private sector, which is conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (SK)

The number of Americans working for themselves continues to increase, reaching 9.1 million in 1983. They tend to be older than other workers, and although they work longer hours, their earnings are lower. (SK)

Manufacturing productivity slowed or declined in 1980 and unit labor costs accelerated, as output generally turned downward in the United States and 10 industrial nations; compensation was up in most countries but was offset by gains in consumer prices. (Author)

In 1999, there were 5.6 million contingent workers; the number and proportion remained unchanged from 1997-1999. Contingency rate was highest for younger workers, part-time workers, women, blacks, and Hispanics. More than half would rather have noncontingent jobs. Compared with earlier data, they were more likely to have personal than economic…

The author discusses some of the problems in measuring the incidence and employer costs of benefits. Problems discussed include (1) benefit plan flexibility, (2) integration of related benefits, (3) cost control, (4) contingent pay systems, (5) emerging benefits, and (6) differing measurement approaches. (CH)

Sketches the demographic and occupational characteristics of the 1.7 million military personnel stationed in the United States, and compares the data with those of civilian workers. (SK)

Examines research on short-time compensation programs undertaken in response to Section 194 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. Focuses primarily on the behavior of employers in California, Arizona, and Oregon during mid-1982 to mid-1984. Discusses work sharing versus layoff, unemployment insurance trust fund, and program…

Flexible work schedules have more than doubled since 1985, but workers sometimes must be willing to increase their hours, work evening shifts, or switch to part-time status, self-employment, or certain occupations to get flexibility. Flexibility was less likely for nonwhite, female, unmarried, and less-educated workers. (Contains 38 notes and…

As economic growth continued in 1997 and 1998, job losses declined and the displacement rate was the lowest of the 1990s. Many displaced workers were able to find new jobs with little or no change in weekly earnings. (Author/JOW)

The increase of temporary workers, part-time workers, and consultants has caused corporations to make major changes in their human resource systems. These changes have produced both benefits and costs. Estimates of the growth of the contingent work force between 1980 and 1987 vary from 17 to 23 percent. (CH)

The authors describe the concept of "pay-for-knowledge" compensation plans and report results from a survey of 20 personnel directors in pay-for-knowledge plants. Results indicate that companies using this system have generally found it workable and feel it would be a mistake to revert to traditional compensation plans. (CH)

Dramatic changes in the work force and society--increasing numbers of women workers, early retirement, structural changes in the economy, and changes in employer-employee relationships--have had substantial impact on the compensation package. These trends point to continued changes in pay, paid leave, insurance, and retirement and savings plans.…