“Working for a pharmacy company is a very responsible and important job, because the pharmaceutical care provided to a customer involves the most important thing for them and their families – their health. Employees approach their work with a sense of mission. We take care of their well-being every day, both by understanding their needs and by finding appropriate solutions. The good practices of the “Mēness aptieka” which were highlighted by the Social Integration Foundation, give us an overview of how much we have already done to achieve the status of “Family-friendly workplace”. We also appreciate the experts' suggestions on how we can further improve our working environment and what other forms of support might be important for employees. We are very pleased with the recognition of the Family-friendly workplace programme,”
says Baiba Pedraudze, HR director of “Mēness aptieka”.

“Mēness aptieka” assessment within the “Family-friendly workplace” programme highlights a number of good practices. The company has provided various forms of training, such as regular continuing education courses, as well as digital and physical news circulators to keep employees up to date. “Mēness aptieka” initiative to support clients with families through the Latvian Honorary Family Certificate programme was also highlighted. The company organises various activities for employees and their families. Training, seminars, health insurance, etc. demonstrate the company’s support for the well-being of its employees.

With the support of their employer, “Mēness aptieka” employees have the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular health checks, healthy food at work and physical activity. The company’s commitment to work-life balance, a variety of work arrangements (flexible working, part-time), work opportunities closer to home, rest areas at work, employee appreciation gifts, gifts for newborns, children starting school, New Year, etc. are also highlighted.

Baiba Pedraudze points to the opportunities for pharmacy staff to work close to home as a good example. All employees have health insurance and can access online lectures on mental health and work-life balance. The company has been investing in a pharmacy assistant training programme for nine years, and the young professionals who have been trained within the programme are an important support in the day-to-day running of the pharmacies. Career development is very common in the company - pharmacists become pharmacy managers, then regional managers, others take on new positions in the office. Employees appreciate the opportunity to get involved in the company’s social responsibility initiatives, both professionally and emotionally, by participating in events and supporting para-athletes, the elderly and other social groups. Various health-boosting activities are popular among the “Mēness aptieka” team – together with family members, the “Mēness aptieka” team is well represented in both the Stirnu buks trail run and the Rimi Riga Marathon.

The Family-friendly workplace programme, run by the Society Integration Foundation of Republic of Latvia, offers employers the opportunity to assess family-friendly practices in their company and provides support to help ensure that these continue to develop.