Scottish actor and Succession star Brian Cox, known for his fiery roles, tackles Workplace Mental Health in Partnership with ASICS.
He takes on the part of the “world’s scariest boss” in ASICS’ World Mental Health Day campaign. In the 1-minute video, Cox is seen seated at an imposing wooden desk, sharing data that highlights the risks to your mental health in the workplace.
ASICS’ Public Service Announcement presents Cox in an educational role, addressing the harmful effects of sitting for more than two hours at a time. He advises us to stand up and move around, all while sporting a formal blazer, pleated shorts, and ASICS sneakers.
As part of the campaign, ASICS conducted a global “State of Mind” study for World Mental Health Day, surveying 26,000 people to explore the link between mental health and work environments.
The study found that after just two hours, mental health starts to decline, and stress levels rise by 18%. As a result of this, ASICS encourages daily movement, revealing that just 15 minutes of physical activity can boost mental health and productivity by 22.5%.
The experiment further revealed that taking a daily Desk Break for just one week reduced stress levels by 14.7%, increased productivity by 33.2%, and enhanced focus by 28.6%. Participants also reported feeling 33.3% more relaxed and 28.6% calmer and more resilient. Additionally, 79.2% of participants stated they would be more loyal to their employers if regular movement breaks were provided.
As World Mental Health Day takes place on October 10th, 2024, ASICS are encouraging office workers worldwide to take regular #DeskBreaks by moving for 15 minutes to experience the mental health benefits. The brand are also inviting people to share a photo of their empty desk using the hashtag #DeskBreak, and for every image shared, funds will be donated to mental health charities across the globe.
Gary Raucher, EVP ASICS EMEA, commented on the campaign and partnership:
“In the lead up to World Mental Health Day, we wanted to deliver a strong message that will get people moving for their minds. The hours we spend at our desks are having a real and scary impact on our minds. And it needs to change. At ASICS we champion the power of movement, not just on the body, but also on the mind. It’s why we’re called ASICS – an acronym for the Latin ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ or ‘Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. We’re proud to be turning that purpose into action and encouraging not only our employees but the rest of the world to move their minds.”
