Apotek Hjärtat, a major Swedish pharmacy chain, is piloting a "friendcare" scheme offering employees paid time off to combat loneliness, a move coinciding with increased government calls for businesses to address social isolation. The pilot program, which began in April, grants 11 participants 15 minutes per week, or one hour per month, during work hours to focus on strengthening friendships or making new connections.

Yasmine Lindberg, a 45-year-old pharmacy worker at Apotek Hjärtat's Kalmar retail park outlet, is participating in the scheme. Lindberg stated that she had been feeling "quite lonely" since separating from her partner four years ago, leading to fewer social engagements. She also cited a lack of time and energy to meet friends after work.

The initiative comes as Sweden grapples with increasing concerns about loneliness and its impact on public health and productivity. While specific financial details of the program's cost to Apotek Hjärtat were not disclosed, the company's investment reflects a growing awareness of the economic consequences of social isolation, including decreased employee morale and potential productivity losses. The Swedish government has been actively encouraging businesses to adopt similar measures, suggesting a potential shift in corporate social responsibility expectations.

Apotek Hjärtat, a subsidiary of ICA Gruppen, one of the leading retail companies in the Nordic region, operates hundreds of pharmacies across Sweden. The company's participation in the "friendcare" pilot could set a precedent for other large employers in the country. The results of the pilot program will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness in reducing loneliness and improving employee well-being. The company has not yet announced plans to expand the program beyond the initial 11 participants.