Employee and intern engagement is a top priority for all companies. From increased turnover and reneged job offers to decreased productivity and morale, the impact of disengagement is felt across the organization. I often see students who are new to the workforce struggle with feeling unsupported or unsure where to turn when facing overwhelm, disinterest in repetitive tasks, or a lack of personal life. These common issues can be easily addressed; through small, incremental changes – micro-changes – can make a big difference.
Combating Boredom: Location, Location, Location!
Whether it’s a mid-afternoon slump, the boredom of repetitive tasks, or the struggle with unengaging work, these can all kill productivity and lead to procrastination. Try the “30-Minute Shuffle”; set a timer and change locations every half hour – from the kitchen table to the living room, from your desk to an empty conference room, or even just a different spot in your home office. The change in scenery and movement can revitalize attention and prevent that impending brain fog.
Building Connection: Body Doubling in a Virtual World
Working remotely can be isolating. Coordinate with other interns or employees to co-work over Zoom or FaceTime. “Body Doubling” is not necessarily to collaborate, but simply to have someone “present” while working. This provides connection and shared focus, combating loneliness and boosting productivity. This also offers an informal opportunity to ask questions you might hesitate to bring to a manager.
Managing Stress: Data Dumping & Prioritizing
Overwhelm is common, especially for those new to a role. Encourage “data dumping” – writing down everything you have to do. Create 2 columns, 1 labeled ‘personal’, the other ‘work’. Highlight the top three most important tasks on each list. Getting all of those ‘to-dos’ out of your head can be incredibly relieving. It also frees up working memory to help prioritize and problem solve how to manage your workload, reducing stress and increasing efficiency.
Promoting Work-Life Balance: Small Steps, Big Impact
Work-life balance is crucial for our health and wellbeing but also for avoiding employee burnout. Early career and interns often struggle with wanting to give their all to the job while compromising some aspect of their personal life. Instead of advocating for drastic overhauls to your routine, think about making small, manageable changes:
- Fitness: Rather than beating yourself up over missed gym sessions, take the stairs. You could even set a timer and try to achieve a PR each time. Rather than doom scrolling at your desk, take a quick walk when you have a break in between meetings.
- Connection: Encourage putting phones on “Do Not Disturb” for a set period to focus on loved ones. Make a walking/talking phone date with your partner at lunch.
- Healthy Eating: Dedicate time each morning/evening to meal plan and prep. This proactive approach can decrease impulsive snacking, avoid sugar crashes, and help with attention.
Conclusion:
By promoting these micro-changes and, crucially, making it clear that support is available and how to access it, you can empower new employees and interns to thrive, addressing stress, boredom, and work-life balance while fostering a more engaged and productive environment. Remember, small adjustments and a supportive environment can lead to big results!
