Let’s face it, a lot of traditional office environments aren’t geared towards introverts – they’re busy, noisy, and full-on, not to mention there’s a certain degree of socialization that comes with working in a team.
Surviving the workplace as an introvert without trying to change who you are or making yourself burn out is a whole different ball game, but it is possible, and here’s how.
1. Learn Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Introversion isn’t a negative thing, you just have a different set of strengths and weaknesses compared to someone who identifies as an extrovert. While a colleague may be great at answering the phones, you may be a whiz at creating professional PowerPoint presentations.
Understanding where your strengths and weaknesses lie will help you to stop seeing your introversion as a hindrance and start viewing it as a superpower.
2. Schedule Time to Recharge
Meetings, events, and social situations can be extremely draining for an introvert. If you find yourself exhausted after these kinds of interactions, then help yourself to recover by scheduling time to recharge.
Block time off in your Google Calendar between meetings or immediately after draining situations to give yourself the space you need to refill your batteries. If you have a particularly hectic week, then try to arrange it the best you can to give yourself moments of tranquility.
3. Make Your Space Work for You
Some people thrive in a co-working space, while others prefer to work in isolation. If you have to work at close quarters with others, then invest in a pair of the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds to give you a sense of peace and quiet.
You may also want to set your desk up against a wall to give the illusion of working on your own, or split your time between working in the office and working remotely. Remember that your office is an extension of you, so don’t be afraid to customize it with whatever you need to feel more comfortable.
4. Build and Maintain Relationships Digitally
If the thought of after-work drinks or a lunchtime social fills you with dread, then you’re not alone! While you may not be able to escape all forms of in-person events, there are plenty of ways to build and maintain relationships with your coworkers digitally.
Video communications platforms, such as Skype and Zoom, make it easier than ever to schedule online socials, and chat-based systems like Slack are perfect for encouraging teams to connect remotely.
If your workplace doesn’t offer any digital socials, then consider starting one of your own – you may be surprised how many of your coworkers would also prefer to have fun from the comfort of their own homes.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
You can’t be good at everything, but you can control how you approach challenging situations. If a presentation is keeping you up at night, or an interview is making you feel sick, then practice until it’s no longer an issue.
Practice your public speaking. Practice your interview skills. Practice for the best possible outcome and practice for the worst. The more you practice a skill, the better you’ll become at it, and before you know it, you may even start to enjoy it!
6. Advocate for Your Boundaries
Finally, don’t ever feel pressured into being someone you aren’t. Advocate for yourself and your boundaries – even if that means finding a new employer that will.
Don’t be afraid of excusing yourself early from networking events or socials. Speak with HR about making your workspace better for you. Stand up for what you need to thrive at work. Good employers are open to making adjustments for their staff because they know that happy employees are more productive and can give more back to their company.
Thriving in the Workplace by Finding What’s Right for You
If you identify as an introvert, then the things you need to thrive will be different from your extroverted coworkers. We all thrive under different conditions, and that’s ok. Never apologize for being you, instead, learn to embrace who you are and adapt your approach to the workplace accordingly.
If you just can’t make office life work for you, then you may want to consider switching to a remote position or one which gives you more freedom to dictate how you work.