In a creative effort to combat loneliness, Apotek Hjärtat, Sweden’s largest pharmacy chain, is testing an innovative initiative called “Friend Care.” The program allows employees to take 15-minute breaks each day or an hour each month to connect with others. The twist? The pharmacy is even tossing in $100 a year to support these social endeavors. That’s right, they’re getting paid to make friends!
This initiative comes on the heels of a striking government study revealing that 8% of adults in Sweden have no close friends. This social isolation can be daunting, and Apotek Hjärtat’s CEO, Monica Magnusson, took notice. She recognized that if the pharmacy chain was helping customers address loneliness, it was time to check in on the mental health of their own staff.
For employees like Yasmine Lindberg, these breaks have proven motivating. She’s found that those scheduled social moments have nudged her out of the house more often. And isn’t that the goal? In Sweden, where the cultural norm often leans towards valuing personal space, a little encouragement can go a long way in breaking the ice and forging connections. Who knew being friends could be just as rewarding as being a customer?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
