Wellbeing is no joke!

Jamie Masada is a businessman – founder of the US Laugh Factory chain of comedy clubs and conscious of the importance of wellbeing. 

And while he likes to laugh (and to balance his books,) he also likes looking after the mental wellbeing of his employees, the comedians on his books…for whom life isn’t always hilarious.

‘We are obliged to do something to help others in our work environment,’ he says. ‘This should be common practice in any place of work. Make sure there is someone your people can talk to if they need to.’

It was a spate of suicides among comics that prompted Jamie into action. But the therapist he employs, Ildiko Tabori, believes the opportunity to talk is important for everyone, wherever they work and whatever they do.

Comedians may have specific issues, she says, triggered by the loneliness of their travelling life style and the pressures of live performance. But the underlying reasons for talk therapy are universal, making it a no-brainer for Jamie Masada, who calls this extra support for staff a rare, ‘win/win – wins for everyone.’

And here in the UK?

There’s no question that attitudes towards mental health at work are changing; and that policies to promote wellbeing are perceived as good for staff and business. But in the real world, such change can only be beneficial if there’s a strong and considerate message from the boss or manager…like Jamie. And not all are like him.

As Psychologist Linda Blair highlights for the Guardian, employers should make staff aware of options of the counselling that they can access but they must be careful not to make workers feel forced to use them. A more helpful way is to emphasize that the services are confidential and have no bearing on the employee’s career or advancement.

But imagine if wellbeing at work was reckoned to be normal; and imagine such support being available in every company in the country. We at The Mind Clinic do.

It would be the best punch line.