Final answer:
The value of a worker's labor is linked to the revenue it generates for an employer. Productivity increases mean a worker can generate more revenue per hour. Therefore, the value of work could be higher than $1.00 per hour, based on factors such as industry, region, and employer revenue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether the value of indoor work is worth at least $1.00 per hour to some workers, which refers to the assessment of labor's value in terms of monetary compensation. In economics, the value of a worker's output is often measured by the revenue they generate for the employer. For instance, if a worker can produce two widgets per hour, and each widget can be sold for $4, the worker generates $8 per hour in revenue for the firm. A profit-maximizing employer would then be willing to pay the worker up to $8 per hour.
Looking at the provided information, U.S. productivity per worker has increased significantly over the years, where the average output per worker per hour was more than $100 in 2011. Furthermore, by relating the cost of labor to the production levels, if the widgets workers are paid $10 per hour, multiplying the number of workers by their wage gives us the cost of producing different output levels. If we look at the marginal cost of labor being $1 for different wage rates, it illustrates how higher costs can influence the employer's decision on how much to pay their workers.
Therefore, the value of work will always be determined by the worker's productivity and the market value of the goods or services produced. This value could be higher or lower than $1.00 per hour depending on the specific industry, region, and economic factors involved.