Can Friendship Hour in Sweden Help Workers Combat Loneliness?

Sweden is taking a proactive approach to combat loneliness, as evidenced by a new initiative from the pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat, which grants employees paid time off to nurture friendships. This pilot scheme, known as "friendcare," allows staff to dedicate a small portion of their work hours to social interactions, reflecting a broader government strategy aimed at addressing the increasing prevalence of loneliness in society.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The friendcare initiative, launched by Apotek Hjärtat in April 2023, seeks to provide employees with designated time to focus on their social connections. Each participant receives 15 minutes weekly or one hour monthly to engage in activities that foster friendships. Particularly in a culture where social isolation is becoming increasingly common, this move aligns with the Swedish government’s commitment to tackle loneliness as a public health issue.

Key takeaways

• Apotek Hjärtat's "friendcare" scheme allows employees time to strengthen friendships.
• Participants receive 1,000 kronor (£80) for friendship-related activities.
• The scheme is part of Sweden's broader strategy to combat loneliness.

Timeline: how we got here

The movement against loneliness in Sweden has evolved over the years, culminating in governmental recognition of the issue. Key dates include:

• April 2023: Launch of the Apotek Hjärtat friendcare pilot scheme.
• July 2023: Sweden's Public Health Agency releases the first national strategy to combat loneliness.
• 2024: Statistics Sweden reports that 8% of adults have no close friends.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As part of the friendcare initiative, employees at Apotek Hjärtat are now actively encouraged to spend time in ways that enhance their social lives, with financial support for activities. This is a distinct shift towards recognising the importance of mental health in the workplace.

What was already established

Prior to this initiative, loneliness was already acknowledged as a serious issue in Sweden, with studies indicating that approximately 14% of the population experiences loneliness regularly. The government’s new strategy aims to increase awareness and collaboration across various sectors to combat this growing problem.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this scheme is primarily in Sweden, the implications for UK readers are significant. Loneliness has been linked to various health issues, impacting not just individual wellbeing but also broader public health. Awareness of these effects can prompt similar initiatives in the UK, where the mental health crisis is also prevalent.

Businesses and jobs

For UK businesses, recognising the role of social connections in employee wellbeing could lead to enhanced productivity and lower sick leave rates. Companies that prioritise mental health may see long-term benefits, including improved staff morale and reduced turnover rates.

Policy and regulation

The UK government could take cues from Sweden’s approach by considering policies that encourage businesses to integrate social wellness into their corporate strategies. This could involve tax incentives for companies that implement similar programmes aimed at reducing loneliness among employees.

Numbers that matter

• 14% of Sweden's population reports feeling lonely some or all of the time.
• 8% of adults in Sweden do not have a single close friend.
• Over 40% of Swedish homes are occupied by just one person, correlating with higher loneliness levels.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Friendcare: A scheme allowing employees to take time off work to develop and maintain friendships.
• Friskvård: A wellness allowance provided by employers in Sweden for fitness-related activities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

UK businesses should consider evaluating their current employee wellbeing programmes and potentially piloting initiatives that encourage social interactions among staff. This could be in the form of team-building activities or designated time for socialising.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Longer-term, organisations can assess the impact of these initiatives through employee feedback and health metrics. Collaborating with mental health organisations may also provide insights into best practices for reducing employee loneliness.

Signals to watch

• Employee satisfaction surveys reflecting improved social connectivity.
• Changes in absenteeism rates linked to mental health issues.
• Legislative changes regarding workplace mental health policies.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage social interactions through team outings and events.
• Provide resources for mental health support and training.
• Facilitate open discussions about loneliness and mental health.

Don’t

• Neglect the importance of social connections in the workplace.
• Assume that all employees are comfortable discussing their loneliness.
• Limit wellbeing initiatives to physical health alone.

Checklist

• Evaluate current employee engagement strategies.
• Consider implementing a social wellness hour.
• Provide funding for team-building activities.
• Monitor employee feedback regularly.
• Collaborate with mental health organisations for training.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the friendcare initiative shows promise, its long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. There are concerns that similar initiatives may not be universally applicable across different cultural contexts. Moreover, structural issues such as economic inequality and urban design may have a more profound impact on loneliness than workplace initiatives alone.

Bottom line

The friendcare initiative by Apotek Hjärtat highlights a progressive step towards addressing loneliness in Sweden, providing a model that could inspire similar programmes in the UK. As businesses become more aware of the importance of social connectivity for employee wellbeing, the potential for innovative solutions to combat loneliness increases.

FAQs

What is the friendcare initiative?

The friendcare initiative is a scheme by Apotek Hjärtat allowing employees paid time to strengthen friendships and combat loneliness.

How does the friendcare scheme work?

Employees can take 15 minutes each week or one hour monthly during work hours to engage in friendship-building activities, supported by a financial allowance.

Why is tackling loneliness important for businesses?

Tackling loneliness is crucial as it directly impacts employee health, productivity, and overall workplace morale, with potential cost savings in healthcare and sick leave.