Actor Brian Cox, known for his role as Logan Roy on HBO’s “Succession,” stars in a new ad from Asics encouraging employees to take breaks for their mental health. In the ad, Cox criticizes the practice of employees trading their mental health for perks like free fruit and wellness initiatives, taking a clear shot at Amazon without naming the company directly. This is a response to Amazon’s practice of giving out free bananas to employees and the public from stands located on their Seattle headquarters campus.
Amazon’s free banana stands, known as Amazon Community Banana Stand, have been a popular feature on the company’s campus since 2015. The stands give out thousands of bananas daily to promote a healthy snack option with built-in compostable packaging. However, Asics’ ad suggests that employees should prioritize their mental health and take breaks from their desks, instead of relying on perks like free fruit and wellness initiatives that may not address underlying issues.
Asics emphasizes the importance of taking regular movement breaks, citing research that shows increased confidence and productivity, as well as decreased stress and anxiety. The brand has launched a dedicated website with resources to help employees get started with taking breaks and encourages them to share images of their empty desks on social media. This movement towards prioritizing mental health and physical activity in the workplace may clash with the culture of companies like Amazon, where free perks are common but may not be enough to address deeper issues.
The ad featuring Brian Cox from Asics sends a clear message to employees about the importance of self-care and taking breaks during the workday. By highlighting the potential negative impact of trading mental health for free perks like fruit, Asics is challenging the status quo of corporate culture that prioritizes productivity over well-being. The ad’s subtle reference to Amazon’s free banana stands serves as a commentary on the perception of workplace wellness initiatives and the need for a more holistic approach to employee well-being.
Overall, Asics’ ad with Brian Cox serves as a call to action for employees to prioritize their mental health and take breaks for physical activity during the workday. The juxtaposition of free perks like bananas with the need for self-care highlights a larger cultural shift towards promoting well-being in the workplace. This message may resonate with employees who feel pressured to prioritize work over their own health, providing a reminder of the importance of self-care and mental well-being in a fast-paced corporate environment.
