A manufacturing company's standard labor cost to produce one unit of a product is 18 hours at $8 per hour. During a period, 12,500 units were produced with actual labor costs amounting to $115,000. Evaluate the labor rate variance and labor efficiency variance using a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to deviations from standard costs. Assess factors such as wage adjustments, workforce productivity, and production scheduling practices to develop strategies for cost control and performance improvement.