Social Capital at Work: Connection, Belonging, and the Loneliness We Don’t Talk About
Building social capital at work
Relationships are one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing, performance, and long-term success—yet they are often treated as secondary at work. This session explores why connection matters more than we think, and why modern work patterns, technology, and…
Active Listening
Communication Skills Practice
Group Activity
Trust-Building Activity
Workshop
Description
Relationships are one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing, performance, and long-term success—yet they are often treated as secondary at work. This session explores why connection matters more than we think, and why modern work patterns, technology, and post-pandemic habits have quietly increased loneliness at work.
Drawing on research from positive psychology and organizational science, participants explore the concept of social capital—the idea that relationships are an asset that can be built, invested in, and drawn upon over time. Through practical exercises and low-pressure interaction prompts, participants learn how small, everyday behaviors can strengthen connection without forced bonding, oversharing, or awkward team-building.
The session focuses on realistic, low-risk ways to improve workplace relationships, create a greater sense of belonging, and reduce isolation—especially in busy, hybrid, or high-pressure environments.
Benefits
Benefits:
Stronger workplace connections, reduced loneliness, improved collaboration, and greater resilience through social support.
Hosted by Louise Lambert
About the Host
Dr. Louise Lambert is a psychologist, researcher, and internationally recognized wellbeing expert who brings the science of happiness and human connection to life. With over 20 years of experience working with governments, healthcare institutions, and private sector organizations, she is known for translating rigorous research into engaging, relatable experiences.
Her sessions blend evidence-based positive psychology with humour, practical examples and the small absurdities that make life what it is. She invites people to reflect, take their happiness more seriously, and leave with insights and strategies they can actually use. The result is wellbeing programming that is credible without being clinical, thoughtful without being heavy, and joyful without being superficial.
Dr. Louise Lambert is a leading wellbeing expert living in Dubai, UAE. A former university professor and clinical psychology supervisor, she brought positive psychology to life, founding the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed academic journal investigating the roots of wellbeing. She is also the Editor of the first positive psychology university textbook and continues her work as a researcher with over 50 peer-reviewed studies in wellbeing and happiness.
About Dr. Louise Lambert
As Head of Happiness Programming and Policy Design with www.happinessmatters.org, Dr. Louise has developed and applied positive psychology intervention programs in workplaces and universities across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Canada. Her work includes the design, delivery and assessment of the positive education programs at Dubai College and Kuwait’s Al Nowair Foundation, with previous training and keynotes in companies like Cigna Insurance Middle East, GEMS Education, Emirates Global Aluminum, Aldar, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST), Canadian Consulate/Embassy in the UAE, Deloitte Middle East, Dubai Police, etc.
Travel Locations
I'm happy to travel where the work takes me. For travel beyond the UAE (and Gulf region), please bill flight cost and accommodation to the client, as well as 1 day for travel to destination and 1 day return at "travel" day rate of 2000$US per day.
Focus Areas
Well-being/HealthDevelopment/Coaching
Location
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Languages
English, French
Corporate Experience
Significant
Certifications & Credentials
not applicable
Session Types Offered
Interactive & Passive
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Interactive
Client Requirements
Eg. microphone, whiteboard, projector, laptop, min. 20sqm space etc.
Past Clients
Cigna Insurance Middle East, Deloitte Middle East, Merck, Beyond ONE, GEMS Education, Dubai Police, AL Nowair Foundation
Photo Gallery