Many introverts thrive when working from home because their work is placed on an equal playing field as the work done by their extroverted coworkers. Their quiet diligence is often overlooked in traditional office settings, but remote work makes their high-quality work even more noticeable.
Introverts have a greater capacity for focus and productivity. Because successful introverts typically prefer to work alone, they tend to concentrate more on the subject at hand than extroverts. They do not participate as actively in office politics or generate as much drama.
Several studies over the past few months show productivity while working remotely from home is better than working in an office setting. On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.
As a neuroscientist, I've worked with large companies like Google and Deloitte on how to attract and retain top talent, and I've found that employers tend to favor extroverts. But there are some surprising strengths that introverts bring to the table, and they shouldn't be overlooked.
Disadvantages Of Being an Introvert in The Workplace
Due to their quiet nature, introverts can often be misunderstood or overlooked. They are also the ones to experience introvert workplace discrimination.
We live in a culture that equates leadership and ambition with extroversion and being present. That can be difficult for introverts, who may excel at work but struggle with office politics, long hours of being “on,” and overstimulation from noise, light and people in our personal space.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Introverts bring many beneficial traits to the workplace. They've mastered the art of listening, are happy to work independently, tend to steer clear of workplace drama and can be very productive in the right environment.
Add in the lack of a commute, and remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, which leads to increased productivity—a huge benefit of working from home for both employees and employers alike. When done right, remote work allows employees and companies to focus on what really matters—performance.
There's also a less forgiving explanation for reduced productivity, WFH Research finds: Some remote employees might be “shirking from home,” taking advantage of their lack of oversight to spend fewer hours on core tasks, and getting distracted by their TVs.
"I want to work at home so I can be more productive and use all my available time to focus on my job. Rather than spending an hour a day in commute, I could use this time to plan and execute my work." "I understand the impact I can have on the environment and wish to reduce it by working from home.
Burnout is typically caused by excessive and prolonged stress, and can occur in anyone — whether they are introverted or extroverted. However, those who are introverted tend to be easily overstimulated, especially when required or expected to interact with others.
Introverts gain energy from quiet reflection and isolation. Both personality types can be equally creative, passionate and articulate leaders. So, don't overlook the quiet ones in the corner. They may harbor just the leadership qualities your company needs to succeed.
Introverts typically have high standards and strong focus, but they also tend to overthink their work. This leads to frustration and anxiety when something is less than perfect—which just makes collaboration even harder! Don't obsess over details; it will only hamper your ability to work effectively with others.
5 Benefits to Being an Introvert
Introverts are very aware of their surroundings and are excellent people watchers. A 2018 study found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. They are better at "reading" people and understanding them better.
“Most introverts need to think first and talk later.” When it comes to sex, this means that introverts are observing and dissecting everything that's going on, which is just as tiring as the physical act itself.
In terms of introversion and extroversion, research suggests that as we age, we become more introverted. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, which can lead to a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.
It seems Extraverts rule in modern society, but academic studies suggest that anywhere between 30 and 50 percent of the population is Introverted. So even if you feel alone sometimes, you are not. Introversion is as normal and as common as Extraversion.
The degree to which you are introverted or extroverted is influenced by genetics. Out of all the personality traits that have been studied, introversion/extroversion is one of the most strongly hereditary ones. Nonetheless, a lot of environmental factors—like how you're raised—influence it too.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
Colors: Studies show that introverts love cool colors. Do up your home in soothing shades of blue, green and purple. Neutrals like greys and whites are also a good choice.
Humility, an introvert's greatest strength
[14] Humility allows introverted leaders to innovate because they are typically more open to new ideas and suggestions. They listen better and are less likely to follow the first idea that is offered.