The phrase "discouraged workers" refers to people who want to work but have given up looking for a job because they believe there are no available opportunities. They feel hopeless and have stopped actively seeking employment. Full definition
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Accounting Research found that better - paid employees are less likely to steal; higher wages promote social norms that discourage workers from conspiring to steal inventory. (creditdonkey.com)
The number of multiple jobholders decreased by 514,000 from November 2016 to 7.6 million, and the number of discouraged workers not in the workforce (469,000) decreased by 122,000 from one year ago. (axiometrics.com)
According to the above - referenced USAToday article, Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius says wages will rise only slowly as discouraged workers who stopped looking for jobs stream back into an improving labor market. (virginiafrancoresumes.com)