Several Swedish businesses, including the pharmacy company Apotek Hjärtat, have taken up their government's request for businesses to help tackle the increasing challenge of loneliness in society. 

More and more research shows that loneliness has an enormous impact on people's mental and physical heath, with some studies suggesting that the health risk factors associated with loneliness are greater than those associated with smoking.  

As part of this trial project, Apotek Hjärtat employees in the project are granted 15 minutes each week during working hours to focus on strengthening their friendships or making new connections. Employees can use their allotted "friendcare" time to chat on the phone, make plans over text, or meet up with someone in person. There's even a small budget that employees can tap into to spend on friendship-boosting activities. Volunteers also receive online training in how to recognize and tackle loneliness, and some employees have tapped into the project to reach out to people who feel more isolated. 

Employees in the pilot project report feeling happier, and, as we know, happier employees lead to more successful workplaces and businesses.  

Numerous studies suggest that when employees feel stronger connections and have true friends at work they feel more engaged, more loyal, and are far less likely to quit their job. Even simple initiatives such as facilitating employee lunches together can help. One study found that employees who just eat lunch together are more cooperative and trusting compared to those who do not each lunch together. 

So, how might your workplace help employees feel more connected and less isolated?