Summary
A Swedish pharmacy chain, Apotek Hjärtat, is trying a new program where workers get paid time to spend with friends to help fight loneliness. Employees in this trial can use this time to connect with others and have activities with a special budget. This is part of a larger effort in Sweden to address loneliness, supported by the government.
Key Facts
- Apotek Hjärtat, a pharmacy chain in Sweden, launched a "friendcare" program to help reduce loneliness among employees.
- Participants in this program get 15 minutes each week, or an hour each month, during work hours to strengthen friendships or make new ones.
- Employees have received 1,000 kronor (about $100) for friendship activities as part of this year-long trial.
- The program includes online training about recognizing and addressing loneliness.
- The initiative is inspired by previous collaborations with the mental health charity Mind.
- Sweden's government released a national strategy to reduce loneliness and has encouraged businesses to participate in efforts.
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden cited loneliness as a public health issue linked to various health risks, such as heart disease.
- Apotek Hjärtat aims to see if small amounts of friendship time can improve employee wellbeing.
