As we wrote earlier this week, the cannabis industry, for the moment, is experiencing a surge in sales in some areas. This obviously seems linked to consumers stocking up for what will likely be a long period of social distancing as we all try to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Very soon, and in many cases already, it is no longer business as usual for dispensaries. While grow facilities, laboratories, and manufacturers cannot shift all operations online, many members of the cannabis industry are now working remotely. But just like workers in other industries, many are trying to get acquainted with working from home for the first time as we deal with coronavirus.
Vangst, a Denver-based cannabis recruiting firm, is offering some tips on how to transition from the dispensary or office to remote work and what managers should try to do:
- Make sure everyone is set up with proper communication channels.
- Schedule regular check-ins or create a process for daily stand-ups.
- Prioritize company culture preservation by using cameras during meetings and check-ins.
- Create open lines of communication to workshop what’s working and what’s not.
- Consider hiring contract/temp help to support the staff during this time, The HR cannabis company würk is an example of an organization that can help facilitate this.
- Create a support system for those who can’t work remote, let them know of your paid leave policy (if you have one).
- Inform all members of what to do if they feel ill.
- Update your team regularly on best practices and the status of COVID-19.
Open and frequent communication is key in helping reducing employee stress. There has been considerable research identifying the dangers of social isolation and this problem is likely to become more prevalent as we all try out our new home offices. There are ways to help mitigate the stress related to working at home due to coronavirus.
While we all look forward to a time when social distancing is no longer necessary for our survival, will life ever really go back to the way it was? The world was going digital even before the virus. Working remotely, for some, is likely here to stay. Now could be the best time to work on and improve the ways in which we communicate and get our work done away from a physical office.
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