Wellbeing or Work Perk? Rethinking Connection Through an ESG Lens
7th January 2026 At a time when workforce wellbeing is increasingly in the spotlight, a novel trial in Sweden has captured global attention: a major employer is experimenting with a paid “friendship hour” — a dedicated slice of the working week for staff to nurture social relationships beyond the office. Participants are given time during paid hours, plus modest financial support, to connect with friends or strengthen personal networks. Early self-reported outcomes suggest small boosts to happiness and life satisfaction. It’s a provocative idea, and one that resonates with a deeper reality: loneliness, social isolation and low workplace engagement are by no means confined to Nordic climes. Recent polling and workplace research in the UK has pointed to troubling trends in worker wellbeing and connection, with many citing stress, disengagement and a lack of meaningful interaction as part of their professional experience. As an organisation, Gapuma Group welcomes innovation in how employers think about people — especially where it aligns with our ESG commitments to mental wellbeing, inclusion and a supportive workplace culture. We champion initiatives that encourage genuine connection and mutual support, from informal coworker gatherings to structured wellbeing programmes, because strong human relationships are at the core of healthy teams. Yet it’s worth asking whether formalising friendship through corporate policy is a necessity or a symptom of broader social shifts? The pandemic, remote and hybrid working, and the blurring of work–life boundaries have reshaped how and where people interact. Does this make traditional office attendance more important, or simply impractical in an era that values flexibility? Should employers nudge people towards social connection, or trust teams to find their own balance? There are no simple answers — but one principle remains clear: belonging at work matters. At Gapuma, we will continue to explore and share practices that build authentic community, wherever our people choose to work.
Gapuma Colleagues Share Flavours of the World
13th August 2025 Gapuma colleagues have come together to celebrate International Food Day with an array of dishes that span continents, cultures, and tastes. Nineteen team members contributed home-cooked specialities, transforming the day into a culinary journey through more than a dozen countries. From spicy curries and tangy street food to delicate pastries and traditional desserts, every dish told a story of heritage and pride. Highlights included Chicken Biryani, Fish Rolls with Wadei, Avocado Chaat, Polish Apple Cake with Smetana, Gajar Halwa, and vegan favourites such as Iranian Herb Rice with Fava Beans. For those with a sweet tooth, the day ended with that quintessential British classic: Sticky Toffee Pudding. This was the third Gapuma International Food Day, and the first since 2022. More than just a feast, it was an opportunity to reconnect, share traditions, and strengthen bonds across teams. The event once again proved that food is not only nourishment, but also a way of celebrating diversity and building community. Gapuma looks forward to making this celebration an annual feature across all our offices worldwide. A sincere thank you goes to all colleagues who contributed their skills, their time, and a piece of their personal culture to make the day so memorable.