Staff at a major Swedish pharmacy chain are being paid to take time off with friends to combat loneliness—they can even text loved ones during the $100 ‘friendship hour’

Loneliness is wearing down so many workers that it’s been deemed an “epidemic” by U.S. healthcare professionals. Across the pond in Europe, employees are grappling with the same issue; that’s why one Swedish employer is piloting a paid “friendship hour” to combat isolation.

Apotek Hjärtat, one of Sweden’s largest pharmaceutical chains, is trialing a “friendcare” program (“vänvård” in Swedish), where staff are allotted one hour per month, or 15 minutes every week during working hours, to connect with old or new friends.