Can Interns Save Workplace Productivity?

Intern-ProductivityEven though the economy has turned a corner and business is picking up, companies are still hesitant to hire. With employees being pushed to produce more with less pay, workplace productivity is starting to decline. According to a recent report by the Labor Department, productivity for U.S. companies grew by 3.6% in the first quarter of 2010, higher than economists’ expectations, but was significantly lower than the over 6% growth in productivity seen in the previous three quarters of 2009.

Companies have gotten by with a smaller workforce for quite some time now with little or no impact to their productivity levels. But employees are exhausted for being overworked, and some are even making errors that can cost companies money. Employers are running out of ways to increase productivity without adding to their payrolls. For companies still feeling the uncertainty of hiring permanent employees, hiring interns may be the answer to increasing productivity without breaking the budget. Here are some top reasons to consider hiring interns.

Increase Productivity Capabilities
One of the largest benefits to hiring interns is to help to relieve pressure in areas where work seems to be piling up or in areas of the company that seem to be growing at a faster pace than expected, helping to ease current employees’ workload. This gives the employer the opportunity to see if the work warrants an extra salary and if the budget can handle it. And, if an employer decides it’s worth it, interns can move into permanent employee status easily and hit the ground running because they are familiar with the business, its culture, and the company’s expectations.

Lower Turnover
Internships can last anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the program, without the promise of permanent employment. This allows companies the opportunity to evaluate potential candidates and gives the intern a chance to see if they want to work with the employer as well. If a job offer is extended to an intern and they accept, chances are they will stay with the company for a while because they know the culture and the job is a good fit.

Keep Costs Low
Another great benefit to hiring an intern is that the cost of employment and benefits can be lower than that of a full-time, permanent employee. Companies should be careful if they choose not to pay interns. Federal law stipulates that employers must meet six criteria before they can legally choose not to pay an intern. Companies should check with the Federal Labor Department to determine if they are compliant with the laws in their state. If a company does meet the criteria mandated by federal law, then payment for work rendered is typically paid out monthly or at the end of their assignment. Employers should research what local competitors pay their interns and pay them accordingly.

Hiring interns can’t answer all your problems when it comes to increasing productivity, but it certainly can help open the door to a lighter workload for current employees without the added costs of hiring full-time workers. With extra hands on deck to help with mounting projects, retention, and work productivity is bound to increase, not to mention employee morale. For employers who are on the fence about hiring, interns might just be the answer that can turn into a long-term solution with great rewards for both the intern and the company.

2 Responses to Can Interns Save Workplace Productivity?

  1. Mike Heffner May 16, 2010 at 12:50 pm #

    We have been working with students in our office since 2006. It has been great to work with the local universities and even the local high school. Interns get a great experience and learn more in one internship than they learn often times in a whole year of school. They often times have great ideas and are willing to do research and projects that often times might be overlooked otherwise. Our internship program has been a real win-win for both our office and all of the interns.

    • Kathleen McClusky June 1, 2010 at 1:07 pm #

      As one of 16 co-op coordinators at Cincinnati State this is always good to hear. We would be more than happy to help supply student resumes in every major for you to review. Our students are all anxious to gain major related work experienc and share new and creative ideas with you and your company.
      Let’s work together and continue this win-win situation: keep costs low, lower turnover and increase productivity !
      Please email me with your interest.

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