Another factor contributing to a low rate of job creation is the considerable scope that exists for raising output without increasing employment in many countries (i.e. through increases in labour productivity and working time). While increased layoff rates played an important role in raising unemployment during the initial phase of the recession, their importance gradually diminished as the downturn bottomed out and recovery began. This suggests that policy makers concerned with reducing unemployment or limiting its rise should shift their efforts from protecting viable jobs at risk of being terminated towards re-integrating the unemployed into the workforce and encouraging hiring by firms.