Definancialisation and Workspace Regulation as a Public Health Policy Tool

One of the most pressing issues policymakers, business groups, and academics face in the context of the post-COVID-19 recovery is how the economy can become more resilient to similar future challenges. Achieving resilience and sustainability in times of health crises requires a better understanding of social and economic conditions that shape workplace and living conditions.

Even before the ongoing pandemic, it has been well-established that broader social conditions and broader economic policy choices play a key role in public health outcomes. Yet, it is relatively understudied how financial insecurity negatively impacts socio-economic conditions, which ultimately determine public health outcomes.

Our research sheds light on how the financialisation of the economy and society should be considered as a key driver of public health. The purpose of this policy briefing is to summarise how the financialisation of the business (and broader economic) environment, i.e., the dominant influence of financial actors and institutions over the real economy is growing continuously, shapes workplace conditions and the production process, which, in turn, are instrumental for public health outcomes, aiming to offer practical insights for policymakers and firms.