What worries Massachusetts employers the most now?

A few years back, housing costs were the top headache for big employers in Massachusetts. Now, that worry is second to something bigger: the shaky state of the economy and unpredictable world events. A recent check with key business leaders found that inflation, global financial pressures, and shifting government rules are now their biggest concerns. Most expect these challenges to drag down the state’s economy in 2026.Housing costs are still a problem, though. Eight out of ten business leaders say making homes more affordable would do the most to keep Massachusetts competitive. Many are raising salaries to keep workers from leaving. Only a small number plan to hire more people in the state this year. Instead, a quarter of companies are looking to expand outside Massachusetts. Most growth is in entry-level jobs, like retail or customer service roles. Higher-level positions aren’t growing as much. That’s partly because companies got used to hiring remotely during the pandemic and now find it easier to recruit outside the state. Even with more workers back in offices, many businesses still prefer hiring out-of-state talent to save money.