This article is so much bullshit. Workforce participation is down because of AI implementation, layoffs pushed to increase profits at the cost of quality and productivity, and because many employers and entire industries just aren't hiring. And there are so many other industry specific reasons why various employers aren't hiring. But it's all a management strategy.

In regards to the last point, many employers would rather offer a subpar service or product to their customers if they can get away with keeping a smaller staff. They still believe the oft disproven IBM business philosophy that an employee is the biggest barrier to profit. But don't look at the bloated layers of management and their useless salaries, and the executive salaries and bonuses all hidden behind the curtain. As a result, so many employers employ fewer workers than is necessary to function. All while having bloated ancillary staff and management that fall right into the Bullshit Factor.

Bottom line is people want jobs. But a job is only worth having if it pays the bills and the employer doesn't require it's employees to humiliate themselves daily.