The business of health equity: The Marmot review for industry

This report “The business of health equity: The Marmot review for industry” was released by authors from The Institute of Health Equity and the Legal & General group to emphasise the vital roles businesses play in shaping the conditions in which people live and work and, as a result, their health.

The role of business in influencing positive health outcomes – for better or for worse – has not historically been a major part of the debate around public health. ‘Health & Safety’ is mainly about safety. Business however needs to lean in and take action. Our businesses are more productive if we have workforces which are physically and mentally well.

Businesses have both positive and negative impacts on health: through employment practices; through goods, services and investments; and through their impacts on communities and the environment. This report shows
concrete, practical ways through which focusing on these three domains can be a force for good in improving health and reducing health inequalities. Reducing harmful impacts of businesses and enhancing their positive contribution is vital for health and wellbeing. Underlying this report is the recognition that business can and should be a partner for good in creating healthier societies, the report calls on companies to act on the social
determinants of health, not to gain competitive advantage, but because reducing health inequalities is the right thing to do.

Find the full report (in English) here.