We are committed to promoting the health of Latvia’s population by maintaining high professional standards and supporting initiatives that strengthen public health and health literacy. Research shows that we are the most loved brand in Latvia’s pharmaceutical sector, as well as a highly valued employer, with our pharmacists receiving prestigious national-level professional awards.
How you actively engage and empower your employees
The work of a pharmacist is, first and foremost, a profession devoted to providing assistance and support to people in matters of health. To ensure they can carry this out with excellence, we, as an employer, provide all the necessary conditions, support, and a culture of professional collaboration. We take care to offer practical working conditions, comfortable work and rest areas, a positive environment, ergonomic workplaces, and opportunities for professional growth.
This year, employees rated most highly the management’s collaboration with teams across departments, opportunities for growth, as well as openness to innovation and involvement in sustainable pharmacy development projects.
Successfully balancing work with family life, maintaining good health, feeling secure in a supportive work environment, and working close to home are among the key factors that define employee well-being and opportunities at “Mēness aptieka”. Professional development opportunities, organizational culture, and values are playing an increasingly important role in employees’ choices. It is our shared values and dedication to people’s health that we, as a team, appreciate the most – and that motivate us every day to become better, more accessible, and even more professional.
It is important for us that our pharmacists see opportunities for growth, continuous learning, and professional development – both in pharmaceutical care for customers and in their careers overall. For example, in 2024, “Mēness aptieka” colleagues dedicated more than 26 000 hours to professional training and development with the company’s support. An important part of our continuing education efforts is also our retraining programs, which allow people from other industries to become pharmacist assistants or pharmacists – a process we actively support as an employer.
An inclusive environment is equally important today. The healthcare sector brings together people of different generations and experiences – from young specialists to colleagues returning from work abroad or after a career break. Embracing and valuing this diversity is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic advantage that fosters greater flexibility and innovation. To create a comfortable, pleasant, and ergonomic work environment for our employees, we dedicate significant attention and investment to improving and renovating our pharmacies, as well as implementing various digital solutions.
The most pressing HR challenges your industry faces today
Our surveys show that pharmacies and pharmacists are already seen as the most accessible healthcare professionals in Latvia. Apart from emergency hospital care, pharmacies are currently almost the only places within the healthcare system where people can seek advice and assistance without a prior appointment. The role of pharmaceutical professionals in the overall healthcare system – and in ensuring its resilience – is particularly important, and we see that this role will continue to grow.
Employee shortages are a reality that most companies in Latvia face today. In the healthcare and services sector, this challenge is becoming increasingly pronounced, creating risks for the accessibility of these services. Employers who can offer not only competitive remuneration and social security, but also a sustainable organizational culture – with a clear mission, strong values, and an environment that supports professional fulfillment and employee engagement – gain a distinct advantage.
For this reason, we are investing significant effort in developing and embedding shared values and strong internal culture that supports every employee’s growth, involvement, and accountability in achieving our common goals.
The sustainability and development of healthcare professionals are not solely the responsibility of employers but a matter of public interest. Sustainable healthcare is not possible without strong, motivated, and well-supported professionals. The experience of “Mēness aptieka” demonstrates that sustainable healthcare starts with the development, support, and respect of employees. Investing in people pays back through better public health – something we, as a company, witness every day.
Examples of teamwork activities or initiatives that strengthen collaboration
“Mēness aptieka” has developed effective internal communication tools and activities designed not only to keep employees informed about current updates, but also to encourage engagement and participation. We regularly organize various professional, educational, and qualification-enhancing courses and seminars.
We also focus on team-building activities – organizing events for employees and their families. In addition, we provide opportunities for employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as regular health check-ups, access to healthy meals at work, participation in physical activities, and various sports events. Every employee at “Mēness aptieka” receives health insurance.
Health-promoting activities are especially popular – the “Mēness aptieka” team, together with their family members, is well represented at events such as the “Stirnu buks” trail run and the “Rimi Riga marathon”. Warm holiday greetings are never forgotten, and one of the most anticipated events of the year is the annual company ball, featuring awards, acknowledgements, and gifts for employees and their children. Special recognition is given to our long serving “golden” employees who have been part of the company for more than 20 years.
We also place great emphasis on helping employees maintain a healthy work–life balance. There are opportunities to work closer to home, and depending on the position, employees can also work remotely or take advantage of flexible or part-time schedules.
For nine years, the company has been investing in the pharmacist assistant study program, and new specialists have become an important support in the daily work of our pharmacies. We ensure that employees have opportunities for internal growth and actively provide the means to achieve it.
Our employees also greatly value the chance to participate in the company’s social responsibility initiatives – offering both professional and emotional support through events and activities that assist para-athletes, people with special needs, seniors, and other vulnerable groups in society.
Your reflections on the Best Places to Work certification journey
Every success we achieve starts with our people - our pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and all colleagues, who live with our values and bring commitment to society into daily work.
This recognition gives us motivation to keep moving forward: to support our employees, improve how we work, and find better ways to care for our communities. Our goal is simple and at the same time very important – to provide pharmaceutical care that people can truly rely on for their health and well-being. We are proud of this recognition and see it as inspiration. By creating the best environment in our pharmacies, we make sure our employees feel supported. Only then can they give the best care to our clients and patients. Caring for our people is how we build a healthier Latvia.
Vilma Fairclough
Chairwoman of the board of “Mēness aptieka”
Goal-oriented, continuous development-based teamwork gives us the opportunity to achieve such success. The multi-level analysis of our company as a workplace, conducted as part of the Best Places to Work program evaluation, is a thorough review of our operational processes and the positive evaluation confirms that we truly meet the status of a top workplace. We carefully review the assessment and take into account the recommendations provided by the program’s experts. This recognition motivates us to set higher goals and continue improving so that, in line with the latest trends in personnel development and the industry`s work environment, the company is the best possible workplace for our employees and the number one choice in the pharmaceutical sector.
Baiba Pedraudze
HR director at “Mēness aptieka"
Advice you would offer to other organizations considering certification
We encourage everyone to see this process as an opportunity for growth. Certification provides a valuable external perspective on company culture, employee engagement, and management practices. It helps us recognize our strengths and identify areas where we can continue to improve.
In our view, maintaining openness is crucial – listening to our teams, analyzing feedback, and applying these lessons to enhance employee well-being, as they are the foundation not only of a better work environment but also of sustainable company growth. This certification is not only a recognition of what we have achieved but also a roadmap for the future – an opportunity to become even better employers and colleagues for our employees, customers, and the wider community.
