Welcoming new interns to your office isn’t just a courteous gesture. It’s a strategic move that can positively impact your team’s morale, productivity, and even the company’s overall culture. It’s also something you want to do as it can help your interns ease into your office environment.
ProsperityForAll reports that the US sees more than 300,000 new interns every year. Around 21.5 percent of college students in the US take an internship at some point in their academic life. These interns are eager to learn, contribute, and make a lasting impression.
By creating a welcoming environment, you can help them integrate smoothly into the workplace, fostering a sense of belonging and boosting their performance.
Here are a few essential tips for making new interns feel right at home.
A Warm Reception Matters
First impressions are crucial, and a warm reception sets the tone for a new intern’s experience. Arrange for a designated person, such as a supervisor or a friendly team member, to greet the intern on their first day. A simple “Welcome to the team!” along with a smile can go a long way in making them feel valued.
Consider creating a welcome kit that includes company swag, a personalized note, and essential information about the office, like an organizational chart. According to Forbes, such a thoughtful gesture communicates that the intern or recruit’s arrival is anticipated and celebrated.
Provide a Clear Onboarding Process
Feeling lost and uncertain during the first few days is a common experience for new interns. A well-structured onboarding process can alleviate this anxiety. Provide them with a detailed schedule outlining their first week’s activities, including introductions to team members, training sessions, and a tour of the office.
Assign a mentor or buddy who can guide them through their tasks, answer questions, and offer insights into the company’s culture.
A comprehensive onboarding process helps interns understand their role within the organization and encourages them to engage actively from day one. According to Business News Daily, poor onboarding can lead to lower productivity and disengaged employees, something you don’t want in your new interns.
Encourage Open Communication
Interns might hesitate to voice their opinions or concerns, fearing that they lack experience or knowledge. To counter this, foster a culture of open communication where interns feel comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions.
Regular check-ins with their supervisor can provide them with a platform to discuss their progress, ask for guidance, and seek feedback. Encourage team members to interact with interns, whether it’s through casual conversations or team meetings. As you value their input, you’ll help them build confidence and integrate into the team seamlessly.
Organize Team Lunches
Occasional team lunches are great for building employee morale and also for creating a friendly environment at the office. These lunches are also important to allow your interns to blend into the office culture.
These team lunches don’t have to be too extravagant. Simply place a team lunch group order on a food catering app and have it delivered to the office. Make sure your interns get to have a say in what food is being ordered. That way, they’ll immediately feel included and a part of your office.
Besides, according to CaterCow, popular group ordering apps will allow you to place individual orders from your favorite restaurants. Thus, you don’t have to worry about anyone opting for food or a restaurant that they’re not fond of.
During the lunches, it’s important to initiate discussions outside of work. That way, these small breaks won’t feel mundane and will showcase how fun the office environment can actually be.
Involve Them in Meaningful Work
Interns are often eager to contribute and learn, so involving them in meaningful tasks can greatly enhance their experience. Assign projects that align with their skills and interests, allowing them to make a tangible impact on the team’s goals.
While it’s essential to balance the workload, offering responsibilities that challenge interns’ abilities can lead to personal growth and skill development. Regularly acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments, reinforcing their sense of belonging and purpose within the organization.
Facilitate Networking Opportunities
Internships offer an excellent opportunity for students to expand their professional network. Organize informal gatherings, such as after-work outings, to encourage interactions between interns and full-time employees. Consider setting up informational interviews with different departments or team members to expose interns to various aspects of the business.
You should also involve them in company-wide meetings or events from time to time. This can help them grasp the bigger picture and understand how their work contributes to the company’s success.
Provide Learning and Growth Opportunities
Interns are hungry for knowledge and experience, so providing learning opportunities can significantly enrich their time at the company. Arrange workshops and seminars where interns can acquire new skills, learn about industry trends, and receive insights from seasoned professionals. If feasible, offer them the chance to work on cross-functional projects to broaden their skill set.
At the end of the internship, conduct a comprehensive review that highlights their achievements and provides constructive feedback. This evaluation can serve as a valuable reference for their future endeavors.
Conclusion
Your interns are assets to your company. If not, they are at least assets to the industry and nation. Thus, you must help them in this journey of theirs, and it all starts by making them feel welcome at the workplace.
