I spoke about workplace wellness this week to @clubhouse.international -leading the way on education, employment and empowerment for individuals living with mental illness. Here is what I shared (in addition to all the benefits of work increasing meaning, purpose, structure and dignity for people.) The secret to loving your job — and living longer — isn’t a standing desk or a higher salary. It’s having a best friend at work. 1️⃣ People with strong social connections live 50 % longer than those who are isolated. (PLOS Medicine) 2️⃣ In a 20-year Tel Aviv University study, workers with low coworker support had a 140 % higher mortality rate.* 3️⃣ Employees who have a best friend at work are 7× more engaged.* (Gallup) 4️⃣ People with close friends at work report 36 % higher job satisfaction and 50 % more support when stressed.* 5️⃣ 64 % of employees say they’ve stayed at a job longer because of their work friends. (Canadian HR Reporter, 2024) 6️⃣ Even when offered higher pay elsewhere, those with strong friendships are more likely to stay.* (LinkedIn Workplace Culture Report, 2022) 7️⃣ Connected teams experience 25 % less stress, double the well-being, and 12 % higher productivity.* (CDC / Gallup) Friendship isn’t just good for morale — it’s medicine. It lowers stress, protects against burnout, and makes you want to show up. 💬 Tag your work bestie. They might be the reason you live longer — and love Mondays. To read more, grab your copy of Practical Optimism wherever books are sold. “People” is one of the 8 pillars of Practical Optimism. #optimism #practicaloptimism #clubhouseinternational #doctorsuevarma #work #mentalhealth #workplacewellness