lies damn lies and unemployment

The statistics used to suggest the state of the economy - on whatever level - have traditionally included unemployment.

What are the definitions and categories involved in "unemployment" numbers? I am not sure, but I know they are stilted and partial and end up drawing a picture of the workplace situation that is irrelevant to reality.

What ONE thing could be added or included that would make employment statistics be a better measurement of economic reality?

Answer?

Underemployment.

What would our picture of the health of the economy be if we could somehow get a measurement of how many workers in the state or nation are working at levels below their qualifications? How many have degrees and advanced degrees that are unused in the workplace? How many underlings have more experience and education than their managers? How many workers are making less now than they used to, in spite of a more varied and valuable resume?

Wouldn't answering and measuring these facts tell us more about what is really going on in the economy?