Resources to Participate in the 2022 Massachusetts Elections
Earlier this year, Governor Baker signed into law permanent pandemic-related changes to expand voting access in Massachusetts. With voting underway in Massachusetts, we encourage employers to share information with employees about how to participate in the upcoming state elections especially with expanded opportunities to vote. While many Roundtable members already offer their employees time off to vote, new voting reforms…
Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development Launches Equity Dashboards
In previous presentations to the Roundtable, Secretary Rosalin Acosta and Undersecretary Jenn James have referenced a major effort to provide economic data on populations hardest hit by the pandemic, which has now been launched! In September, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Economic Research (DER) released a new and interactive way to view economic data on…
The Future of Travel
As hybrid and remote options increase among employers in Massachusetts and globally, businesses are also contemplating real estate needs and office layouts to align with these trends. At the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, we have held countless discussions to share experiences, data and resources, and best practices in responding to and planning for the future of work. Talent is consistently a…
What’s the Role of Employers in an Ever-Changing World?
The role of the employer has evolved in recent years, with a range of expectations varying in workplaces, communities, and regions across the country. Increasingly, employers are contemplating its role—if any—on a range of social, racial, and economic issues locally, statewide, and nationally. Recognizing this trend and with interest in understanding the perspective among Massachusetts-based employers, the Roundtable recently hosted…
Impact of the Massachusetts Elections
This fall Massachusetts voters will elect a slate of new statewide officeholders, state legislators, and will consider important ballot questions that will impact Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness. Less than 24 hours after the polls closed on Massachusetts’ Primary Election Day, the Roundtable hosted an Open Forum featuring Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling Group, to provide members with a breakdown…
Creating a Family Friendly Workplace
Throughout the pandemic, Roundtable members adjusted their work models, benefits, and business practices to meet the needs of employees, including support for working parents and those with caregiving responsibilities. As the pandemic deepened the need for these supports, it has also mobilized a broader adoption of benefits for working parents and demonstrated how support for working parents is good for…
Historic Investments for Child Care in Massachusetts
Guest contributor Tom Weber is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education The end of the 2021-22 Legislative session promises to be one of the most consequential in the history of Massachusetts’ early care and education (ECE) system. First, there is unprecedented proposals pending approval including historic investments proposed by both the House and Senate…
Breaking Barriers to Build Black Wealth
By Mahesh Admankar, Civic Action Project Fellow, Massachusetts Business Roundtable and PhD scholar at University of Massachusetts Boston The public health disparities exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery sparked the latest racial and social awakening in communities across the country and world. As communities—including employers—looked inward for creating change,…
The MA Business Roundtable Goes to DC!
If we want to stay competitive, should we talk candidly about state challenges and opportunities with business groups across the country? Absolutely. While we may compete with states across the country to position Massachusetts as a top innovative leader, we also know that states must work collaboratively to support regional, national, and global competitiveness. This was top of mind…
Employer Engagement on Racial Equity
During the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, many business leaders reflected on their role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the time, some leaders chose to enhance efforts already underway while some were just getting started on their DEI journey. Employers also quickly realized the emphasis must extend beyond DEI to incorporate a greater recognition for racial…