Listening Labs: Experiments in Connection

We’re in the midst of a loneliness epidemic—one that affects mental well-being, productivity, and quality of life. According to the latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 30% of adults report feeling lonely weekly, with younger adults (ages 18-34) experiencing even higher rates. Something has to change—it’s time to build a culture of genuine connection.

Our Solution

Listening Labs are judgment-free, advice-free, welcoming spaces where you can be heard and connect deeply with your peers. Participants share and listen to each other in structured, time-limited sessions. Trained Listening Lab Leaders provide prompts to give you parameters around what to share and step-by-step guidance for how to be a deep listener.

The Listening Labs program was pioneered at NYU and later brought to Quinnipiac University and University of Hawaii at Hilo to address the pressing need for authentic connection among students in academia by providing a structured yet open space for students to be heard, connect deeply, and enhance their listening skills.

Listening Labs is the premier peer-listening program used by universities and workplaces across the country, from New York University to the University of Hawaii at Hilo. This program radically improves participant mental health outcomes while building strong and resilient communities.

What Initial Data Reveals

Pre- and post-Lab surveys reveal an overwhelming drop in the participants’ feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. After their Lab, participants experienced a significant increase in feelings of being heard, relieved, unburdened, connected, and understood. As well, of the 1,000+ unique participants, 93% indicated they would want to do another lab and 96% would recommend an experience like this to a friend.

What Participants Have to Say:

  • "I felt like everyone was super honest which gave me permission to be vulnerable. I came in feeling stressed and the connection allowed me to calm and become more present. I learned how similar we all are and how negative thought/bias struggle exists within us all."

  • "I loved it. It was awkward at first but really nice once we got into sharing. In the end I felt so seen and connected, especially finding out just how similar we all really are."

  • "It was really beautiful to hear about everyone's life experience because the sharing felt extremely honest…I was excited to get to know my peers on a deeper level. I am excited to go back and do it again."

  • "I feel I've been listened to because the people around me are really encouraging. And even though we just met each other for 30 minutes, I feel so much more connected to them.”

  • "I felt completely different when I left the room versus when I arrived. I even left with a new friend. It was unexpected and beautiful.

  • “My experience was cool because we were all different ages so their perspectives were extremely refreshing, and exactly what I needed to hear as a final-semester senior.”

  • “The best part was how I opened up to complete strangers that I had just met! I also learned how to be an active listener by hearing what other people had to say to the prompts. It was all just so wonderful.”

Listening Labs in the Workplace

Listening Labs is designed to strengthen connection, trust, and communication within today’s fast-paced and often divided workplace. Unlike traditional wellness programs, Listening Labs offers employees a structured, facilitator-led space to engage in genuine, empathetic dialogue. Through mindful listening exercises, participants learn to communicate openly and respectfully, building resilience and understanding across teams. For HR and wellness professionals, investing in Listening Labs means creating a culture where employees feel valued and connected—improving morale, reducing stress, and fostering a more engaged, collaborative workforce.

FAQs

What are Listening Labs?

Listening Labs are judgement-free, advice-free, welcoming spaces where participants can be heard and connect deeply with their peers. Participants share and listen to each other in structured, time-limited labs. Trained Listening Lab Leaders provide prompts to give students parameters around what to share and step-by-step guidance for how to be a deep listener.

Listening Labs Are:

  • A caring container to learn the skills of authentic listening and sharing

  • A chance to be heard

  • A chance to connect

Are Listening Labs like group therapy?

Listening Labs are not group therapy but they are also not a space for informal small talk. Listening Labs are a caring container to learn the skills of authentic listening and sharing, a chance to be heard, and a chance to connect.

What are the goals of Listening Labs?

Listening Labs have three main goals.

  1. Allow Students to Unburden Themselves and Feel Heard

  2. Strengthen Students’ Listening Skills

  3. Connect Students to One Another

Is Listening Labs just for universities & college campuses?

No! While Listening Labs started at a university, we have adapted this program to work for any environment. No matter where it takes place, whether that is on campus, in the workplace, at a community center, Listening Labs have the ability to bring people together, ease stress & anxiety, and build connection.

How can I bring Listening Labs to my campus or organization?

We are so excited that you are interested in bringing Listening Labs to your campus or organization. Please get in touch with us via this form or send us an email at info@mindfulnessconsulting.net to get started!

Listening Labs is a pioneering model for increasing connection and listening skills and lowering loneliness levels. Early data shows promising and exciting results for replication on other campuses and in corporation and other institutions.