Working from home is the ideal choice for introverts, who often prefer quieter and less stimulating situations. This quiet space allows them to think clearly and achieve their best work.
In contrast to this, offices, especially open-plan offices, can leave introverts feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained.
It must be said that working from home is not for everyone, and that’s understandable. The office can be a great way to meet people, chat and get work done. However, it’s important to note that the office is also NOT for everyone and many people (introverts, ambiverts and extroverts) like the option and mixture of both (otherwise known as hybrid working).
5 Reasons Why Working From Home Is Ideal For Introverts
Here are 5 reasons why working from home is the perfect option for introverts.
1. Quieter Office Space
A busy office environment can be exhilarating, fascinating and inspiring. But it can also be exhausting. As open-plan offices continue to become the norm, the sensory input is endless. Noise and distractions come from every direction. For Introverts, this can be incredibly draining and off-putting and become a risk to their stress and anxiety levels.
Working from home provides a break from the office buzz. There’s less noise, fewer distractions, and much less pressure to socialise and make small talk. For Introverts, this quieter environment can make a big difference to work ethic, concentration and energy levels. You can finish the day feeling more energised, productive and accomplished.
2. Less Commuting
The average commute time in the UK in 2021 was 27 minutes. That’s almost 1 hour per day spent getting to and from work. This doesn’t include the time it takes to get ready or those days when the traffic hits or the trains are delayed. Commuting is stressful and can cause anxiety – especially for those who prefer solitude and peaceful environments.
Working from home takes the commuter stress away. It means no traffic, fewer people and more time to yourself. For Introverts, especially, the added time can work wonders to refuel, plan for the day ahead, or have a much-needed sleep-in.
3. Better Work-Life Balance
A 9-5 office role can be incredibly restrictive, especially if the office is a good distance from your home. It can be hard to fit everyday tasks, such as laundry, dentist appointments, and workouts, around your employment.
Working from home allows for a greater work-life balance. Remote roles, in particular, usually offer flexible schedules that allow you to choose when you start, when you finish, and when your breaks are. This can be nothing short of life-changing. You can fit your work life around your daily life and have more control over your schedule.
4. Less Small Talk
If there’s one conversation type that introverts would happily avoid, it would be small talk. In truth, general chat with coworkers and acquaintances can be pleasant, interesting, and often needed to grow a deeper relationship. However, it can also be unnecessary and draining. Indeed, even short, simple conversations can harm your daily energy levels.
Working from home means no small talk, fewer people, and fewer unnecessary conversations. You can grab a coffee without interruption and pop to the toilet with no unplanned detours. Although calls or online chats are still likely to occur throughout the day, they’re much easier to manage and regulate.
5. Self-discovery
Before the pandemic, I often left the office feeling like something was wrong with me. I was never as sociable, lively or attention-confident as my colleagues. I was often tired, if not exhausted, and I didn’t know why.
Since working from home, I have become more comfortable with my personality and working style. The quieter environment has allowed my introversion to thrive and my best work to shine through. Although work can still be stressful, the time alone and the ability to control my day is amazing. It’s given me the time and space I need to understand who I am and the situations where I work best.
Bonus Tips: How To Improve Your Work-From-Home Space
With all the benefits that come with working from home, it’s also essential to note the potential hazards and distractions that may come with the territory. Happily, there are a handful of actions that you can take to ensure your home office remains a productive and stress-free environment.
Have An Actual Office:
Although working from your bed or sofa can often be tempting – especially on those cold, dark winter days – it’s important to create and use a suitable workspace. This space may include a desk, chair, natural lighting, mousepad, houseplants, and other items that you require. This can turn an average space into an effective and productive office.
A separate office can be tricky for smaller houses or apartments. Not everyone has an extra room or space to fit new furniture. However, there are a number of options you can consider here, including a foldable desk and chair, working from your kitchen table or even renting office space near your home.
Stay Connected:
Despite all the benefits that come from spending time alone as an Introvert, it’s important not to cut yourself off completely. Social interaction remains an essential part of your work life, and life in general. Teams chats, phone calls, or after-work meet-ups are a great way to stay connected with coworkers and friends. Try to find a balance that works for you and schedule weekly check-ins to make sure that you are not too isolated.
Limit Home Distractions:
Although there are likely fewer people in your home office, that doesn’t mean there are fewer distractions. On a quieter day, it can become tempting to turn on the TV, scroll through social media or start some household chores. Try not to let these temptations interfere with your work and reduce your productivity. A separate office space or a daily schedule can help here. Just ensure that when you are on the clock, you’re full attention remains on your work.
Create a Morning Routine:
Rolling out of bed and onto your chair doesn’t exactly set you up for the day ahead. Indeed, it can often take up to 30 minutes for your body and mind to be fully awake and active. To help, it can be a good idea to start your day away from your desk. In the summer, you could try a short walk outside, a run or some gardening. In the winter, you could try a morning stretch, quick meditation or some reading. Whatever your choice, a daily task before work can make a big difference to your productivity levels.
For more tips on how to create the perfect work-from-home space, read the Forbes article: 5 Ways To Improve Your Home Office For Productivity And Happiness.
Final Thoughts:
Working from home truely is an introvert’s dream. Not only does the peace and quiet protect your energy and stress levels, but the flexible schedule and lack of commute time provide more opportunities for a healthy work-life balance.
Hybrid working in particular can offer the ‘best of both worlds’ and is often the perfect comprise of the two options.
Do you prefer working from home as an introvert, or are you happy with sticking to the office? Let me know in the comments below!
