Labor force participation refers to the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. This measure helps to understand how many people are engaged in the economy and can indicate the overall health of the job market. A higher participation rate often suggests that more individuals are finding job opportunities, while a lower rate may indicate economic challenges or a lack of available jobs. Factors influencing labor force participation include economic conditions, demographics, and government policies. For instance, during economic downturns, participation may decline as people become discouraged and stop looking for work. Conversely, initiatives like job training programs can encourage more individuals to join the workforce.