8 Ways to Create an Introvert Friendly Workplace

Being in a busy and bustling office can be great for your career development, allowing you to learn from others, improve your knowledge and form workplace relationships. But is the average office an introvert friendly workplace?

Sadly not…

Since the introduction of the ‘open office’ trend, most workplaces have been designed primarily for extroverts, who thrive on social interaction to be productive.

These environments, however, can quickly overwhelm introverts, who prefer quieter and minimally stimulating spaces. Open offices, along with various other factors, can lead to distractions, decreased productivity, and burnout.

It’s crucial to ensure that all team members, including introverts, are comfortable and productive in the office environment. Happily, there are several routes you can take to create a more introvert friendly workplace.

1. Create quiet corners

Open offices have become the norm in recent years. They don’t, however, fit everyone’s needs. An open-plan, loud and bustling office space can hinder introverts, creating considerable input for stimuli and distractions left, right and centre. 

Introverts prefer calm, low-stimulus environments where they can keep their heads down and complete their work in peace. Having dedicated quiet spaces in an office, such as specific rooms or certain corners, with limited distractions, can provide a comfortable space for introverts to complete their best work.

2. Allow noise cancelling headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are a great way for introverts to reduce the noise they hear in a busy office and minimise the chance of distractions. Indeed, according to the Harvard Business Review, listening to music can help to boost concentration, mindset and performance. It’s a win-win situation.

I understand why headphones can be unpopular – they can make a person look unprofessional and unapproachable and may hinder working relationships. However, they can also be a necessity in loud and busy environments. As a compromise, you could consider allowing headphones for specific times or tasks during the day.

3. Consider hybrid working 

Working remotely can be a blessing for introverts, allowing them to recharge and regain control over their workdays. Even a single day of remote work per week can significantly boost energy levels and increase concentration and motivation.

I understand that hybrid working does not suit every industry, every company and every individual. In this case, consider offering flexible working arrangements, such as earlier starts or extended lunch breaks. These small changes can provide introverts opportunities to structure their days and minimise the possibility of burnout.

4. Encourage feedback 

The best way to know how introverts feel in an office environment is to ask them. This can be done through an anonymous survey or one-to-one discussions, as long as you allow for open and honest feedback. Each person will have unique experiences and fresh ideas for how to make an office more inclusive.

Ideally, this feedback should come from everyone – not just introverts. Once suggestions come in, it’s essential to consider them respectfully and find a compromise if two individuals or groups have differing opinions.

5. Embrace written communication 

Introverts value the opportunity to process information before making decisions or expressing opinions. This can be challenging when most information is conveyed through face-to-face interactions, such as phone calls or team meetings. 

For this reason, it’s important to embrace written communication where you can. This includes emails, collaborative documents and more. This simple change can provide a more comforting and pleasing environment for introverts to consider their thoughts before responding.

6. Respect boundaries

Respect is the cornerstone of an inclusive workplace. Understanding and adhering to any personal boundaries set by introverts (and anyone else) is essential. For example, if someone asks for time to focus on a task in peace, try to accommodate. Moreover, if someone doesn’t wish to open up about their personal life, do not push them further.

Overstepping boundaries can make introverts uncomfortable and hinder their productivity. It can also impede workplace relationships and decrease morale.

7. Check your bias 

Quite often, we can have certain biases when it comes to hiring and promoting at work. For example, managers must be loud and energetic to succeed. This bias can not only hinder your organisation’s diversity but also signal to introverts in the workplace that they are not good enough.

It’s essential to check your social bias when it comes to making hiring and promotion decisions. Recognise and evaluate people by the work they produce, the experience they have and the skills they possess. Introverts and extroverts can both make exceptional leaders.

8. Rethink social events 

Introverts can often not be the most social of people. However, their reluctance to participate in workplace social events may stem from the nature of these events. Large group activities can be overwhelming and draining for introverts, making them feel like outsiders. 

In addition to large social events, consider organising smaller team socials tailored to specific departments or interests. These more intimate settings encourage introverts to open up and interact comfortably with their colleagues.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more introvert friendly workplace that suits everyone.

This, in turn, will likely boost productivity, motivation and morale among introverts, as well as limit distractions and mitigate the risk of burnout.

Is there anything you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.