What worries Massachusetts employers the most now?
# **Massachusetts Employers Shift Focus from Housing to Economic Uncertainty**
## **A Once-Overlooked Crisis Now Trumps Housing Woes**
Just a few years ago, skyrocketing housing costs dominated the concerns of Massachusetts’ largest employers. Today, that issue has taken a backseat to a far more pressing challenge: **a shaky state economy and the chaos of global disruptions.** A recent survey of top business leaders reveals a stark shift—**inflation, financial volatility, and evolving government policies** now rank as their gravest worries. Most anticipate these forces will **drag down economic growth by 2026.**
### **Housing Still Looms Large**
While the housing crisis has faded from the top spot, it remains a **critical drag on competitiveness.** Eight in ten executives agree: **making homes more affordable** is the single best way to keep Massachusetts an economic powerhouse.
To counter rising costs and retain talent, many companies are boosting salaries. Yet hiring plans tell a different story—only a fraction plan to expand their workforce locally. Instead, a quarter of businesses are eyeing expansion beyond state borders.
The Remote Work Paradox
Even as offices fill up again, the pandemic’s legacy lingers. Companies now find it easier—and cheaper—to recruit talent from outside Massachusetts rather than competing for in-state hires. Higher-level positions are growing sluggishly, while entry-level roles (retail, customer service) dominate growth.
Remote hiring isn’t going away. Many firms have realized they can cut costs without sacrificing productivity, leaving local job markets struggling to keep pace.
What’s Next for the Bay State?
With economic headwinds strong and housing still unresolved, businesses are adapting fast—but at what cost? The balance between growth, affordability, and global competitiveness may soon define Massachusetts’ economic future.
