Effective Training Programs for Cannabis Dispensary Staff
Aug 20, 2024
Running a successful cannabis dispensary comes with its challenges, and one of the biggest is managing high employee turnover.
Research from Headset highlights that turnover rates in the cannabis industry are notably higher than in other sectors, leading to frequent cycles of hiring and training new staff. However, some dispensaries manage to retain their employees for years. What’s their secret?
The key to staff retention often lies in how well you train and engage your team. Here are some actionable tips to build an effective training program that keeps your dispensary staff motivated, knowledgeable, and committed.
1. Empower Staff with Product Knowledge
Imagine visiting a brewery and asking your server about their favourite beers. You’d want their recommendations to be based on personal experience, right? The same principle applies to cannabis dispensaries. Your staff should have hands-on experience with the products they’re selling.
Why Staff Sampling Matters:
Enhanced Upselling: When employees enjoy the products themselves, they're more likely to recommend them to customers.
Improved Customer Education: Staff who have tried the products can provide more accurate and personal advice to customers.
Boosted Morale: Sampling products is a great perk, making your team feel valued and motivated.
Encourage staff to try out new strains, edibles, and other products, and have them share their feedback. This not only helps them make better recommendations but also builds a sense of ownership and enthusiasm.
2. Utilise Technology to Boost Performance
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, employees who work with effective mobile technology tend to be more productive and satisfied. Leverage technology to keep your staff engaged and informed.
Tools to Consider:
Budtender Performance Dashboards: Use these to track metrics like sales and cart size, and to gamify performance with incentives.
Mobile Analytics: These can provide real-time data and insights to help employees understand their performance and set personal goals.
Incentivise top performers with rewards like extra time off or freebies to keep motivation high and performance strong.
3. Focus on Leadership and Management
Great staff training starts with great managers. Your management team should model the behaviour and work ethic you want to see in your employees.
Management Tips:
Hire and Train Effectively: Invest in selecting and training strong managers who can lead by example.
Regular Check-ins: Conduct frequent evaluations to ensure managers are fostering a positive culture and supporting their teams effectively.
4. Conduct Daily Pre-Shift Meetings
Start each shift with a quick, focused meeting. This “Coach-In” session should cover key topics and set the tone for the day.
Coach-In Checklist:
Set Clear Goals: Outline sales targets and expectations.
Assign Roles: Clarify responsibilities and tasks for each team member.
Share Updates: Inform staff about new products or promotions.
These brief meetings help ensure everyone is on the same page, which can boost productivity and improve customer interactions.
5. Offer Continuous Training
Training shouldn’t end after the initial onboarding. Regular updates and skill-building sessions help keep your staff informed and engaged.
Training Strategies:
Schedule Regular Reviews: Plan training sessions every 6 months to address new products and industry changes.
Role-Playing: Use scenarios to practise upselling and customer interactions.
6. Educate on Customer Interaction
Train your staff to provide valuable guidance to both new and experienced cannabis users.
Key areas include:
Dosing Recommendations: Understand the starting doses for various products and tailor advice to individual tolerance levels.
Product Delivery Methods: Explain the differences between smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures.
Having a well-informed staff ensures customers receive personalised and accurate recommendations, enhancing their overall experience.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies—providing hands-on product experience, leveraging technology, focusing on strong leadership, conducting effective pre-shift meetings, offering continuous training, educating staff on customer interactions, and valuing your team—you can create a more engaged, knowledgeable, and loyal dispensary staff.
With a well-rounded training program, you'll not only improve your team's performance but also enhance the overall customer experience, setting your dispensary up for long-term success.