Workplace Trauma Month 2025: Internships: A call for Conscious Leadership

As 21st century leaders, we hold profound power and responsibility. It is extending beyond business operations to include the emotional, psychological, and professional journeys of everyone within our care. It weighs especially deeply with interns: individuals at the beginning of their careers who carry dreams, hopes, and vulnerabilities as they enter our organisations.

When an intern steps through our doors, they trust us deeply with their aspirations and growth. Our actions directly communicate our organisation's values and significantly shape their self-perception, confidence, and career trajectory.

With humility and honesty, we must recognise that extending genuine warmth, intentional guidance, and consistent support profoundly influences interns' emotional wellbeing and professional confidence. When interns feel included, valued, and supported, these experiences nurture resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, positively impacting their professional and personal lives for years to come. Embracing this collective responsibility ensures that we proactively support their emotional safety and professional success.

As leaders, we have the opportunity to identify tools & practices to enhance empathy and engagement, and commit sincerely to meaningful, restorative actions. Let us implement structured mentorship programmes that pay fairly (not just the usual 175 euros per month in Netherlands). By creating an environment where each intern feels genuinely valued, emotionally secure, understood, and fully supported, we actively cultivate a culture of care and empowerment.

Our interns are future leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The emotional and professional care we invest today positively defines their journey tomorrow. Let us fully embrace accountability, intentionally nurture a supportive and empowering environment, and build a lasting legacy rooted in compassion, empathy, and genuine leadership.

The choice and profound impact are ours to make, starting today!

Stay safe! Play Smarter!