CHE Seminar Series: Mortality Effects of Anticipated Job Loss - Evidence from mass layoffs
This paper examines the effects of job loss on worker mortality. In our analysis, we use eleven years of data from the Slovak Republic where mass layoff announcements are legally required at least 30 days in advance. We distinguish between the mortality impact of the announcement of the mass layoffs and if it occurs the impact of the subsequent actual dismissal. Our findings indicate that the announcements of potential job loss lead to a significant increase in worker mortality rates, while the actual dismissals do not contribute to any further rise. These results suggest that the anticipation or threat of job loss is more harmful to workers’ health than the job loss itself.
Speaker profile
Jan van Ours is emeritus Professor of Economics at Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Adjunct professor at the Center for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Melbourne, Australia. Currently, his research is focused on labor economics, health economics and sports economics.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact Trong-Anh.Trinh@monash.edu
Event Details
- Date:
- 12 November 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Venue:
- Caulfield campus, Building H, level 2, room H2.24
- Categories:
- CHE Seminar; General
Description
This paper examines the effects of job loss on worker mortality. In our analysis, we use eleven years of data from the Slovak Republic where mass layoff announcements are legally required at least 30 days in advance. We distinguish between the mortality impact of the announcement of the mass layoffs and if it occurs the impact of the subsequent actual dismissal. Our findings indicate that the announcements of potential job loss lead to a significant increase in worker mortality rates, while the actual dismissals do not contribute to any further rise. These results suggest that the anticipation or threat of job loss is more harmful to workers’ health than the job loss itself.
Speaker profile
Jan van Ours is emeritus Professor of Economics at Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Adjunct professor at the Center for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Melbourne, Australia. Currently, his research is focused on labor economics, health economics and sports economics.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact Trong-Anh.Trinh@monash.edu