Differences in Output Per Worker Over Time

Implan: I am updating a prior analysis. I did the first analysis with the base year 2008 model and the update with the 2010 model. I am basing the analysis on the employment in the sectors - with IMPLAN estimating the output impact. A key issue in comparing the results of the recent and prior analysis is that the direct output impact fell despite an increase in employment in the impacted sectors. Analyzing the Study Area data in the model - direct output per worker fell between 2008 and 2010. I assume that this has to do with the recession - with the economy producing more per worker in pre recession 2008 than in-recession 2010. Output per worker fell more or less across the board in this state - in 270 of the 440 sectors (including most with major employment). Is this a correct assumption - or is there a better explaination? Thank you for your assistance in this question. Richard Clinch