Death: It is something that everyone experiences. Something that is often a very solemn, saddening occurrence. Something that strikes fear into many. Something that is often not wished for. Well, not anymore. Many “blue-chip” companies have begun the practice of gambling on the lives of their employees and have turned death into a money-making venture. Life insurance has traditionally been in place in order to ease the burden of a loved one’s death and ensure that families will not be at a disadvantage following the passing of a provider. However, many companies have now begun taking out life insurance policies on their own employees in order to receive tax breaks.
The ethical breach that is ensuing in this situation is astounding. How can any working person be at ease when they know that there are people that would benefit through their demise. And not just anyone, their employers are the ones that would cash in. These companies have gone behind the backs of their employees and, without notifying them, placed a wager on their life. This is a clear breach of employee-employer trust and has created a new business: The Business of Death.