Quality of life is subjective, and so cannot be the emphasis of a culture. It must be the emphasis of the individual. Under capitalism no one is forced to work. The further we depart from capitalism, the more we revert to pre-capitalist modes of forced labor. Big business does not control the economy or power in any country.
Governments control power, and attempt to control the economy.
Yes, for tax revenues. Politicians also like to shake down businessmen for campaign contributions by threatening them with punitive legislation or regulation. Oh well, that's what living in a culturally self-lined vaccum does to you. If you are a Free-Market. What we do have all around us is a mixed economy and a massive welfare state.