The Rising Tide of Employer-Led Policy Influence: A Look at Emerging Trends
Across the United States, employers are increasingly seeking a stronger voice in shaping the policies that impact their businesses. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but the methods and scope of employer engagement are evolving, driven by factors like rising healthcare costs, potential wage adjustments, and the need for a skilled workforce. Several initiatives demonstrate this shift, from state-level coalitions to national advocacy efforts.
The Oklahoma Model: Employers in Action
In Oklahoma, the Employers in Action coalition, spearheaded by The State Chamber of Oklahoma, exemplifies this trend. Comprising HR and employment professionals representing approximately 270,000 employees, the group facilitates dialogue between business leaders and elected officials. Their approach centers on ensuring legislation is informed by real-world experience and avoids unintended consequences. Events like the annual Day at the Capitol – scheduled for April 27, 2026 – provide direct access for employers to engage with policymakers.
This model focuses on proactive engagement rather than reactive responses to legislation. By fostering relationships and offering expertise, Employers in Action aims to shape policy from the ground up. The coalition’s success hinges on its non-partisan approach and its ability to demonstrate the practical impact of proposed laws on businesses of all sizes.
Beyond Oklahoma: National Skills Coalitions and Workforce Development
The drive for employer involvement isn’t limited to a single state. The Ohio Workforce Coalition recently led a delegation to Washington D.C. For the National Skills Coalition’s Skills Summit. This initiative highlights a growing national focus on workforce development, with employers advocating for increased funding for programs like WIOA, CTE, and Apprenticeships.
Key priorities emerging from these discussions include digital skills training and supportive services – such as childcare and transportation – designed to remove barriers to skills training and employment. Transparent data practices to ensure fair outcomes are also gaining traction as a critical component of effective workforce development strategies.
Addressing the Wage-Benefit Gap
A significant driver of employer engagement is the disconnect between wages and the cost of living. The Ohio Workforce Coalition commissioned a report by The Center for Community Solutions, revealing that many Ohioans working full-time still require public benefit assistance (like SNAP and Medicaid) to cover basic needs. This report underscores the need for policy changes that address wage stagnation and improve access to affordable healthcare and other essential services.
The report specifically analyzed ten low-wage occupations, including childcare workers, home health aides, and assemblers, providing detailed data on wages, job openings, projected growth, and benefit eligibility. This granular data is crucial for developing targeted policy solutions.
The Future of Employer-Led Advocacy
Several trends suggest this employer-led advocacy will continue to grow. The increasing complexity of the regulatory landscape, coupled with the rapid pace of technological change, demands a more proactive and informed approach to policy development. Employers are recognizing that their voices are essential to ensuring that policies are both effective and economically sustainable.
We can anticipate more coalitions like Employers in Action emerging in other states, focusing on specific industry challenges and regional economic priorities. The use of technology to facilitate communication and engagement between employers and policymakers will also likely increase, potentially through virtual town halls and online advocacy platforms.
FAQ
Q: What is Employers in Action?
A: Employers in Action is a coalition of HR and employment professionals led by The State Chamber of Oklahoma, designed to give employers a voice in state-level policy decisions.
Q: What are the key priorities of the Ohio Workforce Coalition?
A: The Ohio Workforce Coalition advocates for increased funding for workforce development programs, digital skills training, supportive services, and transparent data practices.
Q: Why are employers becoming more involved in policy advocacy?
A: Employers are seeking to ensure that policies are informed by real-world experience and do not negatively impact their businesses or employees.
Q: What is the date of the 2026 Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma?
A: April 27, 2026.
Did you know? The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, comprised of several hundred employers, has also been actively involved in shaping labor relations policies at the federal level.
Want to learn more about workforce development initiatives in your state? Explore resources from the National Skills Coalition here. Share your thoughts on the role of employers in policy advocacy in the comments below!
