A pharmacy chain in Sweden has embarked on an inspiring trial aimed at addressing a pressing concern: can just a few minutes of free time each day help alleviate feelings of loneliness?
Recent research commissioned by the Swedish government revealed some sobering statistics about loneliness, showing that 8% of adults lack a single close friend. In response, the renowned pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat has introduced a wonderful initiative allowing its employees 15 minutes daily, or one hour each month, to step away from their usual duties. During this time, they can make a phone call, organize a social event, meet someone face-to-face, or simply enjoy a friendly chat with colleagues.
This innovative “Friend Care” policy encourages any activities that foster friendship and connection, and the company even offers an annual stipend of $100 to support these efforts.
Monica Magnusson, the CEO of Apotek Hjärtat, shared that the inspiration for this trial came after another initiative aimed at training pharmacists to recognize and address feelings of loneliness among their customers. It prompted her to reflect on how the company could better support its own employees in this regard.
Yasmine Lindberg, one of the employees interviewed about the initiative, expressed how she often feels lonely after separating from her partner four years ago. Although her teenage children stay with her every other week, she frequently returns home too exhausted after work to go out or connect with friends.
Lindberg noted that the 15 minutes of dedicated time have made a significant impact on her life, providing the motivation she needed to make plans and engage socially more frequently. Swedish psychologist Daniel Ek mentioned that many in the country struggle with reaching out due to cultural norms that prioritize personal space and discourage intruding on others.
In Sweden, many companies offer a benefit known as “friskvård,” which typically relates to wellness activities, such as fitness classes or massages. Apotek Hjärtat has creatively coined their Friend Care initiative as “vänvård,” playing on words to highlight the importance of friendship.
This thoughtful approach showcases how a major Swedish pharmacy is prioritizing the well-being of its employees while fostering a sense of community and connection. Share this uplifting story of kindness and compassion in the workplace!
