Apotek Hjärtat, a major Swedish pharmacy chain, is piloting a "friendcare" scheme offering employees paid time off to combat loneliness, a program that began in April and involves 11 participants. The initiative grants participants like 45-year-old pharmacy worker Yasmine Lindberg 15 minutes per week, or an hour per month, during work hours to focus on strengthening friendships or making new ones. Lindberg, who works at the company's Kalmar outlet, reported feeling "quite lonely" since separating from her partner four years ago.

The program comes as Sweden's government encourages businesses to play a role in tackling loneliness. Lindberg explained that she often feels too tired to socialize after work, stating, "I'm really tired when I go home. I don't have time or energy to meet my friends." The "friendship hour" aims to address this by providing dedicated, paid time for social connection.

The financial impact of the scheme on Apotek Hjärtat has not been disclosed, but the company views it as an investment in employee well-being. The pharmacy chain, a significant player in the Swedish market, has not released data on whether similar initiatives will be rolled out across its other locations. The pilot program's success will be measured by employee feedback and its impact on overall job satisfaction and productivity.

The concept of addressing loneliness in the workplace is gaining traction, with some experts suggesting that social isolation can negatively affect employee performance and increase healthcare costs. While the long-term effects of Apotek Hjärtat's "friendcare" scheme remain to be seen, it represents a novel approach to employee welfare that could potentially influence other companies' policies. The company has not yet announced when the pilot program will conclude or whether it plans to expand the initiative based on the initial results.