Welcoming Newcomers: How to Make Interns Feel Comfortable

It’s always scary starting out somewhere new, especially when you’re expected to properly do a job that takes skill, confidence, and effort. Being a newbie is something everyone dreads – it could be interning for a company you’ve been striving to work at for years, but it makes no difference. You’re new, and you stand out. One mistake and you’re sure to become a laughing stock of the workplace … Or at least that’s what our anxiety tells us is going to happen.

In reality it only takes a week of working there before you’re fully acquainted with not only your new environment, but your colleagues as well. And while rationally, we know this is the case, we still somehow give into the fear. Best thing that can happen? Your boss and other employees to their very best to welcome you to the company.

Here’s five ways to make your interns feel like a part of the team!

#1 Surprise Them With A Welcome Onboard Care Package

Wouldn’t you be excited to start your first work day if your boss surprised you with a goodie bag? It wouldn’t really need to be much, would it? Even a cup of hot coffee would get you up and going, let alone a whole care package!

There’s many ways to go about this, but it’s best to surprise your intern with something they can use in the office. A lunch box or headphones are always a good choice, but there’s obviously a billion more other options you could go for depending on the kind of company you’re running.

Read more about gift boxes here.

#2 Don’t Bombard Them With the Hardest Tasks

Imagine: it’s your first day at a new firm and you’re asked to do something way out of your comfort zone. Had you been working there for a couple months you’d be more than glad to do it, but on your first day you’re not quite ready. Now you feel like you’ve disappointed your boss, let down your work colleagues, and, most importantly, failed yourself.

If your interns are given easy tasks that they’re likely to finish with ease, you’ll help them gain confidence to tackle harder ones! Have them do something easy their first week, then gradually introduce tougher assignments and introduce them as “challenges” to see how your new employee reacts to them.

#3 Assign Them a Mentor

It’s always easier with a friend by your side, so why not help the newcomer make friends? While they may be too shy to walk up to their new coworkers, they might feel more comfortable around a mentor, who will also help them get around the office on their first day.

However, choosing the right person to be a mentor is crucial. Make sure whoever you end up asking to show the newbie around is a happy and enthusiastic person, and, if at all possible, pick someone who’s around the same age as your new intern. This way, they’ll not only get along with them more easily and make their first work friend, but they’ll also be more inclined to ask them for help or advice.

#4 Have Them Help Out on a Group Project

If group work is something that takes place at your office often it’s smart to include your intern as soon as possible. This way, they’ll be able to observe the work flow before actually having to participate. In other words, they could spend a day or two as their mentor’s shadow and take notes on how to approach certain issues at work.

Joining group projects is also a great opportunity for them to get to know their colleagues. This isn’t only beneficial for them, but for your company as well – employees who get along are better at developing innovative ideas, making the office that much more of a positive work environment.

#5 Don’t Forget to Give Credit Where It’s Due

No matter our age, a “good job” from our superior is always awesome to hear. This is even more important when the intern is just starting out, because it encourages them to keep up the good work and potentially put in even more effort in the following work days.

But don’t be too lenient – if your new employee messes up when working on a task, especially an important one, make sure to give them constructive criticism. Only this way will they be able to improve and bring better results. Not only will you be more satisfied, but they will slowly become more confident in their skills.