CHICAGO -- States are putting hundreds of thousands of people directly into jobs through programs reminiscent of the more ambitious work projects of the Great Depression.

Unemployment in the Pittsburgh region fell last month to 8.3 percent, down a half of a percentage point from the recession high of 8.8 percent recorded in February.

Researchers have found a no-cost option for companies looking to keep employees happy and at the same time boost productivity: Give them more say in where and when they spend their working hours.