MASSACHUSETTS PRIDES ITSELF on being a hub of innovation and progress, yet a recent investigation has unearthed a persistent, troubling disparity in our corporate landscape. 

The Bay State Banner, working with researchers at Northeastern University, sought information on the racial demographics of the workforce at 55 large Massachusetts-based companies. Companies with at least 100 employees are required to submit this information to the US Department of Labor, as are those firms with at least 50 employees that serve as federal contractors. Ultimately, the researchers obtained data from 17 of these firms. 

The data show a big gap between the state’s racial makeup and that of the workforce at some of its largest employers. The median representation of Black and Hispanic workers at the 17 firms was 14 percent, a figure that is less than half the 31 percent these two groups account for in the state population overall, according to 2020 Census figures. 

Among these, just four companies (Bright Star Senior Living, Iron Mountain Inc., Bright Horizons Family Solutions and State Street Corp.), two of which are human service providers, demonstrate what can be considered an equitable representation of Hispanic and African American employees. 

The shortfall in workforce diversity among most companies for which data was received are not just numbers; it is a reflection of lost opportunities for communities of color and exposes the gap between reality and the inclusivity we, as a state, purport to uphold.

It was also disconcerting to learn that out of the 55 companies for which data were sought, over a dozen have actively chosen to shield their employment data from public scrutiny. Among these, household names like Dunkin, Putnam, Staples and The Kraft Group stand out, raising questions and concerns about what such barriers signify for transparency and accountability in our corporate community.

The discrepancy between the multicultural imagery depicted in corporate communications and the reality of their hiring practices is more than disappointing; it’s a call to action, as we recently urged in an El Planeta editorial. 

What does this say about the state of diversity in our corporate world? It speaks to a systemic problem. It calls into question the efficacy of “affirmative action” policies that have been in place since President Lyndon Johnson’s era. It asks us to examine the corporate commitment to diversity beyond the surface level — beyond the glossy brochures and well-crafted PR statements.

But identifying the problem is only the first step. We need to move towards a solution that involves accountability and actionable change.

Gov. Maura Healey’s administration has the opportunity to set a new standard by ensuring that state contracts are awarded to companies that reflect the diverse demographics of our Commonwealth. This is not just about fairness; it’s about the economic and innovative potential that a diverse workforce brings to the table.

To the corporations in question, start by publishing your workforce data; transparency is the cornerstone of trust and progress.

And to the citizens of Massachusetts, we must demand more. Let your voices be heard, not just at the ballot box but in the marketplace. Support businesses that demonstrate a real commitment to diversity and equity. We have the power to shape the corporate practices by where we choose to invest our dollars.

Diversity is more than a buzzword; it’s now a strategy for success. The recent report should serve as a wake-up call to make the reality of the corporate workforce in Massachusetts match the hype. 

Javier Marin is founder of El Planeta, Massachusetts’s leading Spanish news hub, reaching nearly 600,000 Latinos via print, web, and social channels.