Organizations everywhere are placing more and more emphasis on cultivating a robust company culture. This should be a culture built on a clear vision, shared values, mutual respect, effective communication, and, last but not least, inclusion. A workplace where every employee feels respected and engaged is no longer a mere aspiration or goal; it’s a necessity. Plus, businesses that leverage the unique strengths and talents of their workforce have nothing to lose and everything to gain from it.
Some would argue that the modern workplace is specifically designed with the extrovert in mind. We tend to praise lively, go-getter people who network effortlessly, make a strong impression on others, and always have something to add to every discussion. You recognize them when they initiate small talk by the water cooler, go on frequent coffee breaks to share weekend plans, and speak up in meetings without anyone having to nudge them. In short, they’re the life of the party and the office, too. And while the benefits of these sociable, easygoing attitudes are clear from the start, truly successful companies don’t rely on these qualities alone (remember, inclusion is key). Instead, they tap into the power of introverts who, though more withdrawn and quiet, bring valuable analytical skills and deep-thinking abilities to the table, ultimately balancing everything out.
Common myths about introverts
You can easily spot extroverts everywhere you go – for one, they’ll make sure you notice them. But how do you spot introverts?
Countless jokes make the rounds, depicting introverts as extremely shy, quiet, aloof, and sometimes even unapproachable people who are sitting hunched over in a corner, waiting for an extrovert to rescue them. And while many individuals with this personality type can indeed be shy, that’s not always the case.
There are a few misconceptions about introverts that are worth clarifying. They are not necessarily antisocial or averse to socializing – many enjoy being around people but prefer quality interactions over quantity. They may feel more comfortable in a small circle of friends than at a large, crowded event. When they do attend such events, they often need time alone to recharge. This is a major difference between extroverts and introverts: the former draw energy from social interactions, while the latter find energy within themselves.
But how do all of these characteristics of introverts fit into the work environment?
Taciturn problem-solvers
Introverts in the workplace are more reflective and reserved than their extroverted colleagues. They spend more time listening than speaking, which is one of the reasons why they are perceived as quiet. In reality, this could be a major benefit – they’re attentive listeners who carefully consider every aspect of an issue before rushing to a decision.
When they work independently, they use their analytical skills to the fullest. These quiet, focused work environments empower them to improve workflows and solve problems in creative ways.
Besides being thorough decision-makers and problem-solvers, the value of introverts in the workplace also lies in their sensitive and empathetic nature. They tend to pick up on social cues that extroverts may otherwise miss. This makes them excellent candidates for mentors or managers, as they’re vested with the emotional intelligence necessary to respect other people’s boundaries.
Have you also noticed their preference for written communication? They’re not inherently comfortable with small talk or public speaking, so whenever they get the chance, they’ll choose to express themselves in writing. This allows them to plan, modify, and structure their ideas to make a good impression. It’s also common that they don’t actively intervene during meetings but take notes and follow up later with their contributions after carefully thinking them through.
The struggle is (silent but) real
Considering all these unique traits, you may wonder how introverts can succeed in the workplace, especially since the standard modern office is not particularly introvert-friendly.
Whether that means small talk, meetings, or teamwork, the sheer social nature of work and being surrounded by coworkers 8 hours a day can be exhausting. Things that come naturally to extroverts may be more demanding for introverts, and the examples can vary from getting a cup of coffee with a few colleagues to having lunch with the entire team. These social situations can be anxiety-inducing, and that’s without mentioning meetings or group projects where introverts might feel pressured to speak.
That’s not all. Large, open office spaces swarmed with people also mean distractions and background noise that are not conducive to the quiet, focused work environment where introverts normally thrive. Shared workspaces are becoming widely appreciated for bringing people together and sparking opportunities for networking and connecting with like-minded professionals. Still, there’s less mention of quiet achievers who fare better in more secluded nooks, protected from the social frenzy.
So, what are the best ways for empowering and managing introverts in the workplace?
The path to an introvert-friendly work environment
Acknowledging these common introvert struggles is the first step to creating a more inclusive work environment. After all, we live in the era of flexible workspaces, so the key is accommodating a wide range of professional needs to help everyone feel comfortable and inspired to reach their full potential.
Here are six simple strategies to make introverted employees feel like a fish in water:
- Design a space that works for everyone
Before you start thinking about complex solutions, look around the office first. Are there enough quiet zones where introverts can retreat to enjoy some time alone and recharge? As we’ve mentioned, open office spaces filled with people can be overwhelming, so it’s important for them to have such cozy nooks and crannies whenever they need to take a breather. WeWork’s coworking spaces brim with amenities that cater to introverts, from intimate phone booths to bookable meeting rooms, private offices, and even wellness rooms.
- The hidden benefits of the hybrid work model
There’s no better way to empower employees – whether introverted or extroverted – than to allow them (at least some) control over their schedule. If you haven’t already, consider testing a hybrid work model where people can choose where and how they want to work. In this scenario, you could assign one or two days for in-office collaboration and leave the rest for them to decide. Extroverts may eagerly frequent the office for the social aspect of it, while their introverted colleagues could prefer staying at home for a couple of days for heads-down work.
- Rethink communication methods
Since everyone communicates differently, effective interaction means adapting to each person’s style. Introverts often need time to process things before they reply, which is important to consider so as not to push them. Allow them to respond at their own pace, and perhaps even in written exchanges where they can more comfortably express their thoughts and ideas. Use instant messaging tools to encourage casual conversations and email for more official correspondence.
- Structured and pressure-free meetings
Whenever possible, share meeting agendas in advance. Getting a heads-up and enough time to prepare can take the edge off of meetings considerably. And to tie this in with the previous point, you can also encourage post-meeting follow-up emails, once again letting introverts contribute in their preferred way.
- Individual or smaller group projects
It’s become clear by now that introverts tend to perform better when they work independently. Offering opportunities for deep focus via individual assignments empowers them to excel. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean they underperform during brainstorming sessions. They can also shine bright in smaller group settings with enough room to make their voice heard.
- Opportunities for continuous professional growth
Typically equipped with a strong work ethic, introverts are committed to producing high-quality work. They tend to be eager to learn and grow continuously, so providing them with opportunities to expand their skills once again brings out the best in them. Online courses or workshops that align with their areas of interest can keep them engaged and increase their job satisfaction.
Final thoughts
Harnessing the unique strengths of introverts starts with understanding their preferences, needs, and boundaries. As we’ve seen, they’re not always shy or anti-social; more often than not they just need some privacy to recharge after social interactions. Similarly, adjusting communication methods, offering a heads-up regarding meetings, and allowing more independent, focused work are all surefire tips for introverts in the workplace. In practice, all of this contributes to an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.
