Say ‘yes’ to mental wellness with help from emerging talent

By Krista Henry

Krista Henry explores how hiring co-op students or interns can help communicators lessen the workload and improve work-life balance.

You have story deadlines to meet, communications plans that are overdue and a leader asking for your metrics report. At night your mind focuses on your growing to-do list with no relief in sight. We’ve all been there, and our mental health has suffered.

The ongoing global pandemic has brought mental health and well-being in the workplace into the spotlight. While we may find time for relaxation techniques after work hours, tackling the mountain of work on our desks isn’t always as easy. An extra hand or two to assist in getting tasks off your plate is a solution that often feels out of reach.

Hiring early talent can help!

Co-op students or interns are beneficial in several ways. They help to grow talent pipelines, allowing us to “test drive” existing talent. They are a “culture add” with diverse perspectives.  They are tech gurus, social media influencers and competent data analysts. Here are some of the skills and benefits student communicators, like University of Waterloo Arts co-op students, can provide:

1. Digital marketing skills. Generation Z, those born between 2006-2014, grew up in a digital world. Social media is second nature to them. They understand how to reach their demographic for impact and how to help increase sales. They offer advanced web design skills. They are quick learners who are willing to test their mettle on new systems.

2. Design and video support. Content is king. With top social media platforms, like YouTube and TikTok, video content is gold. Video editing is often time-consuming and requires a specific skill set. Students can create video content to go alongside written articles. Need a quick poster or social media post? Give it to a co-op student to complete.

3. Internal communications support. Have an internal email to draft? A day of recognition for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives coming up? That’s a task a co-op student can run with! Let them draft messages and create engaging collateral materials.

4. Research and data analytics. Keeping track of the latest trends in the market can be time-consuming. Have a co-op student dive into the data, research trends and even create branding personas that enhance your understanding of the customer.

5. Event support. Whether you need an online or a hybrid event, students are capable coordinators and project managers. They create slide presentations, provide tech support, act as online moderators and help market events for increased attendance. For in-person events, students can assist with event logistics, like registration, check-in, event set-up and live social media.

6. Mentorship opportunities. Not all communicators have the opportunity to provide mentorship. Having a student on your team means you can share your knowledge and experience with the next generation. Mentoring another is a way of giving back – which can be great for your mental wellbeing.

7. Team diversity. Gen Z is the most diverse talent to hit the workforce. Representation matters to our well-being. It is important to have colleagues we can relate to and new perspectives to invigorate us. Students bring a breath of fresh air and diversity that we all need on the path to belonging.

It may seem overwhelming to add a student to your team. There is some preparation in the early stages to get students trained but after a few weeks co-op students are ready to go. The benefits to the mental health of you and your team make it worth it to add a co-op student to your team. Get started today.