Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1437507
6 2022 Economic Forecast • Worcester Business Journal • www.wbjournal.com ECONOMIC FORECAST 2022 WBJ reader's survey When do you anticipate your company will return to almost normal pre- pandemic operations? Following the police murder of George Floyd and other high-profile racial incidents, a number of Central Massachusetts companies in 2020 pledged to improve diversity, equity & inclusion in their organizations. Heading into 2022, will your company seek to improve its DEI from where it is at today? Yes, we've been allowing it for years. 16% 25% 30% 21% Yes, it remains a top priority for our organization Yes, although it is one priority among many. No, we didn't address DEI in 2021 and don't plan to in 2022. No, we feel comfortable with the progress we made in 2021. 24% Will your company allow employees to work from home next year? 2021 Responses 2020 Responses Yes, we started doing it in 2020 and will carry it forward. 30% Yes, although we plan to scale that back next year. 23% Yes, we've been allowing it for years. 21% Yes, we started doing it in 2020 and will carry it forward. 27% Yes, although we plan to scale that back next year. 27% 10% No, we've never allowed it. 21% No, we've never allowed it. 19% 6% No, we are stopping the practice next year. No, we are stopping the practice next year. 2021 Responses 2020 Responses By the first half of next year. 21% By the first half of next year. 14% By the fall of next year 41% By the fall of next year 13% By the end of next year 13% By the end of next year 23% Not until well into the year after next 25% It will likely take several years. 14% 8% We will never return to normal pre-pandemic operations. 14% It will likely take several years. 8% 6% Not until well into the year after next We will never return to normal pre-pandemic operations. What's the biggest impediment to business growth in Massachusetts? 0 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 High cost of living High taxes High healthcare costs Slow regulatory processes High energy costs Other Other answers: "Shortage of qualified employees"; "The poor housing market"; "The pandemic"; "Perception from Eastern Mass. and regional ennui"; "COVID restrictions"