Swedish Pharmacy Pilot Program Offers Paid Time to Foster Friendships Amid Loneliness Crisis
Apotek Hjärtat in Kalmar has launched a year-long pilot project called 'friendcare' (vänvård) to address loneliness among employees by allowing 11 participants paid time during work hours to foster friendships. The program permits 15 minutes weekly or one hour monthly for friendship activities, with each participant receiving 1,000 kronor for related expenses throughout the year. Additionally, online loneliness training is provided to all 4,000 employees at the pharmacy.
The name 'friendcare' draws inspiration from the Swedish concept of 'friskvård' (wellness care) and aims to reduce loneliness and enhance overall wellbeing. This initiative is part of Sweden's national loneliness strategy, which was released by the Public Health Agency to tackle the growing public health and economic problem of loneliness. Health Minister Jakob Forssmed highlighted the gravity of loneliness as a societal issue.
Early self-assessment surveys from participants suggest increased life satisfaction, though the government plans to monitor results carefully without currently committing to expanding the program or offering tax deductions. The project is affiliated with the 'Together against involuntary loneliness' network, which includes about 20 Nordic brands, and there is considerable interest from other companies to join the initiative.
Loneliness poses a significant challenge in Sweden, with approximately 14% of the population reporting feelings of loneliness, 8% lacking a close friend, and over 40% living alone in single-person households. Factors contributing to this include long winters, cultural norms towards privacy, and housing patterns.
