Intern Initiation: Adapting Workplaces

As nice as it would be to know exactly what the future holds, the last year has highlighted just how impossible it is to rely on a predictable path. An integral part of our 2020 strategy was centered on adaptability in order to maintain business continuity. That ethos of embracing change and exploring new opportunities has continued to serve us well as we progress through 2021. It is also why, for the first time ever, there are now interns in the EER office. So we thought it would be a great chance to look at how they came to join us, the value of adapting workplaces and what their experience of EER has been like.

How it Started

This year we wanted to make sure our organisation could focus on productive employee and cultural development. An essential part of this was creating spaces for leadership to connect with the team in more informal settings that promoted an open forum for discussion. One of the ways we did this was to start ‘tea chats’ (because who doesn’t love a cuppa and natter?) and it was during one of these that an employee suggested we hire some interns. Despite having had little experience of working with interns, the management team were happy to consider the possibilities and before long the adverts had been shared, applications were in and Maria and Anjana had joined the team.

The Value of Interns

The very concept of interns has undergone a significant change in recent years. Long gone are the archaic perceptions of interns as coffee and copy runners. Nowadays, interns are far more carefully considered and great efforts are made to provide a learning environment in which they can grow and develop. During our research into what interns could bring to the office, there were several key positives that emerged:

• Fresh ideas. Interns can bring an entirely different outlook into a company. Whether that is knowledge of a younger demographic or technology, a new insight into how to accomplish something or potential suggestions for procedures, it could be hugely beneficial. You never know where the next great idea could come from, so make sure to include them in the brainstorming and encourage them to speak up!
• Employee Engagement. Facilitating mentorship for the interns from the team helps to develop their leadership skills, bolster morale and improve communication. Often, the introduction of interns in need of management and guidance will highlight which of the current team is able to step up to the challenge and is most suited to advancement.
• Internal Growth. Interns who are given the right environment can often become valuable resources with a unique knowledge of how your organisation works. This in turn can make them excellent entry-level hires who you have had the benefit of ‘trying out’ for an extended period and who will greatly appreciate the opportunity to develop.

It was also very important for us to ensure that the experience was beneficial for the interns and that they were financially compensated; the more they get out of it, the more EER will. We wanted to make sure they would be challenged and engaged, working across a range of areas in the office and spending time in every department. So far they have been helping out on a lots of projects including creating a new filing system and implementing our new CRM. They have consistently shown how enthusiastic they are about learning and growing – they have even joined our weekly Arabic classes!

The EER Experience

So, what do they both think about working at EER as we focus on adapting workplaces? Well, we thought it best just to ask them directly! This is what they had to say:

Anjana: “Working with EER these past few weeks has been such an amazing experience so far. I really like how the company values the employee’s overall well-being which is important in these times. Both Aideen and Eva have made my onboarding process so smooth and made me feel welcome and I’m grateful for that. I really am looking forward to these next few months here at EER and I can’t wait to learn and grow each day.”

Maria: “From my first day at EER, it was obvious how much care and concern the management had for its employees. Everyone has been equally invested in ensuring that all employees are comfortable, stress-free and happy. From the Employee Wellness programs to the monthly Rockstar Meetings, there are numerous occasions and events to celebrate and look forward to every week. EER feels like a potential family that I’ll grow to care a lot for.”

At EER we already know how valuable Maria and Anjana have been, and we can’t wait to see what big ideas they come up with!