Bano Connection Lab

On this World Mental Health Day, I had the privilege of writing an article for Suprabhatam, a leading newspaper in Kerala. The article highlights the critical role of mental health in the workplace, aligning with this year’s theme. More importantly, I emphasized the often overlooked yet vital aspect of social connection and its significant impact on mental well-being at work. According to the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report, 86% of Indians felt they were either struggling or suffering, far above the global average. A Gallup poll also found that employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. They not only produce higher quality work but also report greater well-being. Research even shows that small increases in social cohesion can lead to significant boosts in productivity. While workload, job security, and support systems are critical, social connection is a key yet often- overlooked factor in improving employee well-being. Employees with strong social ties at work experience lower mortality rates, higher productivity, and a stronger sense of belonging. In contrast, loneliness—affecting employees even in leadership roles—can lead to stress and hinder performance, further highlighting the importance of building positive connections in the workplace. To understand why social connection is so vital, neuroscientist Dr. Matthew Lieberman suggests that our brains have two main neural networks: the social network and the cognitive network. When we focus too much on cognitive tasks and neglect social interactions, we risk weakening our social neural network, which can lead to a sense of deprivation in our socially-wired brains. To foster these bonds, organizations should invest in team-building activities, informal gatherings, and mentorship programs. Training managers to recognize emotional distress and promote inclusivity is also key. By creating environments where employees feel valued and connected, companies can enhance individual well-being and overall success. Let’s take this day as a reminder that investing in social connection is crucial for building healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. #mentalhealth #workplace #socialconnection #worldmentalhealthday

Social connection is key to well-being, yet it often goes overlooked in discussions about workplace mental health. We are proud to share an insightful article by our lab member, Sayed Mubasheer, published in Suprabhatam, a leading newspaper in Kerala. The article sheds light on the role of meaningful workplace relationships and offers research-backed insights—such as Gallup’s finding that employees with close friendships at work are seven times more likely to stay engaged and productive. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can foster positive, inclusive environments where everyone feels connected and supported. #mentalhealthmatters #workplacewellbeing #connectionmatters #socialconnection

World Mental Health Day 2024: It's Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10th October, aims to spread awareness of mental health issues globally. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has announced this year’s theme: "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." Our Lab Founder, Dr.Samina Bano shares her insights on the importance of social connections at the workplace for mental health and well being : - In the hustle and bustle of work, we often get caught up in a race to achieve, overlooking the toll it takes on our mental and physical well-being. - Although being passionate about work can serve as a buffer against negativity in the workplace, but taking intermittent breaks is crucial to prevent stress and burnout. - Don't ignore the feeling of being burned out and feeling off. Pause and recharge yourself before you bounce back. - A regular process of disconnection from the outer chaos and reconnecting with meaningful relationships is a boost for mental health. - Stress is inevitable but creating lighter moments in between can reduce the negative impacts at work. - Appreciating colleagues and valuing genuinely fosters a supportive, motivated and connected environment. - Constructive feedback and self disclosure can strengthen human connections and ease the tensions at work. - Small actions like informal interactions and ensuring everyone is emotionally connected can have a profound impact on a positive environment at the workplace. This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to making the workplace a space where mental health, social connection, and support come first. #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthatwork #WFMHglobalcampaign2024 #socialconnection

Celebrating International Day of Older Persons The United Nations (UN) designated 1st October as International Day of Older Persons to highlight the importance of addressing the challenges faced by older persons. The 2024 theme, "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide," reminds us that dignified ageing is a global priority. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population of older persons is projected to increase significantly by 2050. However, with this demographic growth brings increased risks of loneliness and social isolation, underscoring the urgent need for strong support systems to ensure older adults age with respect, care, and connection. At Bano Connection Lab, we are proud to contribute to this important conversation. Our Lab member Insha Ahmad's research under the supervision of Dr.Samina Bano focuses on social connections in older adults, exploring how maintaining strong social ties supports both the emotional and physical well-being of older persons.  Let’s work together to ensure that every older person feels valued, connected, and supported.  #InternationalDayOfOlderPersons #AgeingWithDignity #SocialConnection

Strengthening Social Bonds: A Key to Suicide Prevention and Postvention Consider these sobering facts: - Around 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year worldwide. - Each suicide impacts up to 135 individuals. - This means nearly 95 million people are affected by suicide annually. Recently, our lab member Sayed Mubasheer delivered a powerful talk on suicide postvention as part of a gatekeeper training program with the Listening Community. His key message was clear: Social connections are critical for both suicide prevention and postvention. At Bano Connection Lab, we believe that fostering robust social connections is essential for both preventing suicide and managing the aftermath of it. Here are three ways to strengthen these bonds: 1. Reach out regularly to loved ones, especially those who may be struggling. 2. Create safe spaces for open, judgment-free conversations about mental health. 3. Engage in community activities that foster a sense of belonging. Together, we can create a more connected and supportive world where fewer lives are lost to suicide. Let’s keep the conversation going and remember: every connection counts. #StartTheConversation #Changethenarrative #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention

📢 Publication Alert 📢 We are happy to announce the publication of our systematic review paper: Mapping the Past, Present and Future of Belongingness Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis (By Dr.Samina Bano, Prakhar Srivastava, Sayed Mubasheer, Anam N. and Insha Ahmad) Published in the esteemed Journal of Belonging and Human Connection (Official Journal of Global Belonging Collaborative) 🔍 Study Highlights: 1) Systematic review spanning 90 years (1933-2023) 2) Analysis of 4,887 documents from Scopus 3) Identification of key influencers in the field 4) Bibliometric and thematic clusters depicting past, present and future of belongingness research 💡 Why It Matters: This work provides crucial insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across psychology, education, public health, and beyond. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the science of social connection and its impact on human well-being. 🤝 Join the Conversation: We invite you to read the full paper and contribute to this critical area of social science research. Your insights and feedback are valuable! 🔗 DOI: https://lnkd.in/gpejaWJa Research Gate: https://lnkd.in/gBR5Bdg9 📩 Connect with Us: Interested in collaboration or have questions? We'd love to hear from you! #Belongingness #SocialConnection #Loneliness #SocialIsolation

The Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, under the University Grants Commission, in association with the Ministry of Education, recently organised a talk on emotional intelligence (EI) at the workplace. In this Interdisciplinary Refresher Course of Social Sciences for Faculty members of different universities and colleges, Dr.Samina Bano shared with the audience the power of positive emotions in knowing oneself and others in our environment. As a part of Bano Connection Lab's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about social connections and their impact on mental health and well-being, she discussed Peter Salovey and John Mayer's pioneering work in emotional intelligence and Marc Brackett's "Permission to Feel" emphasising the importance of recognising and regulating emotions for personal and professional success. She highlighted that meaningful connections with colleagues can help foster a more positive work environment while enhancing focus and productivity. Ultimately, acknowledging and validating each other's emotions can help us build stronger relationships, which are essential for workplace connections. #workplaceconnections #positiveemotions #emotionalintelligence #JMI #MalaviyaMission"

On this International Youth Day, we shine a light on two incredible youth-led initiatives that are making a significant impact on social connections within our communities. Goodfellows India - a startup supported by Ratan Tata and founded by Shantanu Naidu, Niki Thakur and Gargi Sandu, exemplifies how the younger generation is bridging the gap between seniors and society. With a mission to treat seniors with the same love and attention as their own grandchildren, Goodfellows creates meaningful experiences through shared activities, ensuring that seniors feel like cherished members of a family. Youth India Foundation - founded by Subhankar Nanda, with Sangram Sahoo and Pushney Mahapatra as co-founders, is another inspiring example. This team is dedicated to empowering youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing access to education, skills development, and growth opportunities. They believe in nurturing young minds to create a more just and progressive society. These initiatives highlight the power of youth in fostering social connections and building inclusive communities. Today, we celebrate their efforts and the positive change they bring in the community. #InternationalYouthDay #SocialConnection #Youthchangemakers

Heartiest Congratulations to Prakhar Srivastava, my research scholar for this new responsibility! I am sure you will contribute significantly in the area of social connectedness at a global level. Your hard and deep work along with your dedication will take you to another level. I am proud of you Prakhar 😊 👏.

🎉We're thrilled to announce that our senior research fellow, Prakhar Srivastava, has secured a position as a Research Contractor at the Annecy Behavioral Science Lab in France! Prakhar will be joining an international team to work on the Global Index of Social Connection, a major project focused on promoting better social connectedness and addressing loneliness worldwide, particularly in the Global South. His dedication to research in social connectedness is remarkable. His insights and innovative approaches towards his work shows a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections.                                   We wish him the best of luck in this exciting new role and look forward to the impactful contributions he'll make! 🙌