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Some companies must hire because they can't squeeze more output from their current staffs. Last year, worker productivity rose at its slowest pace in nearly 25 years. That means companies will likely have to add staff to meet growing demand. Other figures point to the same conclusion. Employees are working more hours, a good sign for future hiring. In January, workers put in an average 34.5 hours a week. That's up from 33.8 in the recession and almost back to pre-recession levels of 34.6. As average hours near normal levels, companies won't be able to demand further time from their employees and will likely have to hire more. Faster economic growth is spurring more job growth. The economy expanded at a 3 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the government said last week. Growth will likely slow in the current quarter, but pick up later this year. Economists forecast growth of 2.5 percent in 2012, according to the AP Economy Survey. That would be an improvement from last year's 1.7 percent pace.
[Associated
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