The holiday season is a time of celebration, but for cannabis retail, it often translates to increased demand, long hours, and high-pressure situations. While the surge in sales can be a boon for businesses, it can also lead to stressed-out employees if their well-being isn't adequately prioritized. In the cannabis industry, where compliance and customer satisfaction are paramount, managing employee well-being during the holidays is not just a nicety; it's a necessity.
The high holiday hustle is ON and this year the turkey isn't the only thing getting roasted.
Benzinga Cannabis recent article reported that in 2022, Green Wednesday saw a 16% sales increase YoY, reaching $116.4 million in a single day, just below 4/20.
Family and friends are traveling to gather and while growing acceptance of cannabis use continues to increase, so has access through legalization - the numbers this year will undoubtedly reach new highs.
It's not just about sales though. You can fry a turkey but let's not burn out out the people who drive the cannabis workforce serving these record high transactions.
Managing cannabis retail during holidays requires expert HR and operational skills. Let's focus on creating a healthier work environment while embracing increased sales.
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Increased Workload: Cannabis retail sees a significant uptick in sales during the holiday season. Employees are often required to work longer hours and deal with larger crowds.
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Compliance Challenges: The cannabis industry has stringent regulations that must be adhered to year-round. Increased sales mean more transactions and a higher chance of compliance errors.
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Customer Expectations: Customers expect a seamless experience, even during busy times. Employees may face added stress to meet these expectations.
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Burnout: The combination of long hours, increased workload, and high expectations can lead to employee burnout, impacting morale and performance.
So how does a cannabis retailer prepare to face these problems?
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Adequate Staffing: Ensure you have enough staff to handle the increased workload. Hire seasonal employees if necessary and offer overtime opportunities to current employees voluntarily.
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Compliance Training: Provide additional compliance training for employees working during the holidays. Reinforce the importance of following all regulations, even during busy periods.
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Clear Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with employees. Inform them of any changes in schedules or expectations well in advance.
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Employee Support: Offer resources for stress management, such as counseling services or stress-relief techniques. Encourage employees to take short breaks to recharge.
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Recognition and Incentives: Acknowledge and appreciate employees' hard work. Offer incentives or bonuses for meeting sales targets or maintaining compliance.
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Rotation of Tasks: Rotate employees through different tasks to prevent burnout. For example, have them switch between front-of-house and back-of-house responsibilities.
As cannabis continues to gain traction, it's crucial to strike a balance between increasing sales and promoting a healthier work environment and this holiday season presents opportunities to establish new priorities and processes for our people.
Managing employee well-being in the cannabis retail industry during the holidays is a critical part of ensuring a successful and stress-free season. By adequately staffing, providing additional training, maintaining clear communication, and offering support and incentives, businesses can create a positive work environment that benefits both employees and customers. Remember, happy employees lead to happy customers and, ultimately, a thriving cannabis retail business.
