Businesses urged to do their bit for health

Business experts have highlighted how the private sector can influence people’s health.

Responsible business practices, for example, are shown to have a significant positive impact on health and well-being.

These issues are outlined in a briefing paper produced by Business in the Community, a membership organisation working with companies to improve their positive impact on society.

The document says that “It has never been more important for businesses to act responsibly.”

Acting to safeguard safe and decent working conditions is one of the examples given to show how the private sector can contribute towards achieving greater health equity.

Businesses are also involved in the provision of essential products and services which affect health such as food, water and electricity.

Additionally, a healthy population is seen as essential for a successful private sector.

“Poor and ill health can have a direct impact on the private sector through employee absence, lost efficiency and productivity,” says Business in the Community.

More substantial efforts are however needed if corporate social responsibility is to have a genuine impact in addressing these problems, according to a WHO report on health inequalities.

“To date...corporate social responsibility is often little more than cosmetic,” the WHO report says.

Business in the Community have a number of campaigns to help companies get involved in actions such as promoting healthy eating, developing education and skills and investing in local communities.

For more information about how businesses can work to promote health equity, please visit the Business in the Community website.

Business in the Community is a partner in the Equity Channel.

The WHO report can be downloaded from http://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/