For many Gen Z workers, getting high isn’t something saved for after hours anymore. It’s becoming part of the workday itself.
Recent insights show that a noticeable share of young employees admit to using cannabis while working. This isn’t always about partying or slacking off. In many cases, it’s tied to stress, boredom, or trying to make repetitive tasks more tolerable.
Work looks very different for Gen Z—and so do their habits.
Remote jobs, flexible schedules, and less direct supervision make it easier for people to blur the line between personal and professional life. Without a clear office structure, some workers feel more comfortable lighting up between meetings or even during them.
At the same time, attitudes toward cannabis have shifted. It’s more socially accepted and legal in many places, which reduces the stigma. For Gen Z, it often feels no more serious than having a drink after work—except now it’s happening during work.
But this trend raises real questions.
Some workers say it helps them relax or even focus, especially on creative tasks. Others admit it hurts their productivity, making them slower or less engaged. Employers are also unsure how to respond, especially in remote environments where monitoring behavior is harder.
There’s also a deeper issue: many young workers are dealing with burnout, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Using substances at work may be more of a symptom than the problem itself.
In the end, this isn’t just about being high at work.
It’s about how work culture is changing—and how a new generation is coping with it. Companies may need to rethink not just rules, but the reasons why employees feel the need to escape during the workday.
via vice