New scientific polling in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico shows small business hiring of lower-level employees is diverse, but more can be done to increase diversity in the hiring of upper-management employees. Additionally, some small employers plan to hire or promote in order to increase the diversity of their high-level workforce within the next few years.

Many small business owners think of their employees as family, and they believe in taking care of their employees in order to retain a happy and loyal workforce and to attract top talent. They also know it’s important for their employees to be able to balance their work and family responsibilities. New scientific polling shows the majority of small businesses in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico offer benefits like paid leave and provide family-friendly policies for their employees.

Scientific opinion polling reveals small business owners in Louisiana believe protecting their state’s natural assets is one way we can enhance the financial success of small businesses and local economies. 

Furthermore, the vast majority of them support extending the life of the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps protect places like the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve and the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, along with local parks, trails and recreational facilities.