Why Work from Home Doesn’t Work in Cannabis

Cannabis is different...for now

Malcolm Gladwell caused an online maelstrom recently when he condemned ‘work from home’ (WfH) arrangements.  Gladwell said, “if you’re just sitting in your pajamas in your bedroom, is that the work life you want to live? Don't you want to feel part of something?”  

I am not here to debate the merits and drawbacks of WfH for every industry, or to convince people they should legitimately put their health at risk.  Rather, it’s my view that this is not a good organizational model for cannabis companies and for most of their employees.  WfH will lead to a variety of negative consequences including lower productivity, reduced collaboration, and higher operating costs.  Here’s why:  

1. WfH is a risky business practice
First off, there is no WfH playbook or ‘best practices’ to guide cannabis leaders. Unlike other established industries, Cannabis is a young, dynamic and profit-challenged business.  It is not a place to experiment with funky and untested organizational practices.  Anyway, numerous weed firms have a hard enough time creating a stable organizational design as it is.  

2. Cannabis is an ‘all hands-on deck’ business
Success in cannabis is equal parts science and art. Firms will perform at a high level when the ‘art’ is present i.e. there is lots of data sharing, collaboration, and the spark of innovation that comes from serendipitous in-person interactions.  These synergies will be maximized around the meeting room table, water cooler and greenhouse. 

3. Cultural health requires face-to-face interaction
It’s tough to build esprit de corps when you can’t demonstrate in-person cultural norms & practices as well shared on-boarding and training.   The opposite is also true. WfH often leads to communication gaps which can exacerbate prevailing internal divides. For example, how can a Root and a Suit to develop a common purpose, mutual respect and trust when they can’t share a joint in person?

4. Career and personal growth could suffer
This should be self-evident.  For most management roles it’s easier to build rapport with your boss (ie get noticed), gain valuable coaching, address problems and network across the firm when you are physically present.

5. Professionalism wanes 
Jeffrey Toobin, the CNN Zoom exposer, is regretfully not a one-off example of an employee who let their professional standards lapse.  We have all seen examples of less than stellar personal behaviors and work practices that would not be tolerated in the workplace.  

I expect some people to push back on my position, and some will make valid points.  The reality, however, is that humans are social animals. We derive pleasure and communicate better through in-person relationships, even if we don’t always realize it.  There is an ideal place for these interactions to occur and flourish. Its called the office. Go back before damage is done to your organization and career.

#workfromhome #remotework #culture #organizationaldesign #culture #performance #operations