Open-plan offices, constant meetings, long trips on a crowded subway: the classic office workplace has long been a rudeness to many introverts. That’s why they value the home office more than ever!
It is clear that the concept of the office – and especially the concept of the open office – was created for extroverted personalities. And they thrive in this environment—while introverts often get overwhelmed by it. The high noise level, constant conversations, and the lack of calm for focused work puts introverts under stress and mentally drains them. The home office associated with the pandemic has been a boon to many of the office workers among them, at least in that respect (provided, of course, that the familial situation at home allows them a space to work there).
Many may have thought for years that it was the work itself that leaves them completely exhausted and exhausted at the end of the day. After nearly two years of pandemic and working within their four walls, many introverts realize that it wasn’t (just) the activities themselves—it was a work environment with many people, constant background noise, and sensory overload. There are energy thieves lurking in every corner of the office—mostly not on purpose, but simply because extroverted people often don’t even realize how stressful constant conversation can be for their quiet colleagues.
Introvert vs. extrovert: This is why some people need more space for themselves
Introverts have different needs than extroverts. You are recharging your batteries when you are alone, and you need more comfort and convenience. This does not mean that they never enjoy the company of others – of course, like all humans, they need to be socialized. But they often spend less time with others, and after meeting a lot of people they have to recover (hello social hangovers!).
Everything is actually equal scientifically proven: Because introverts are more sensitive to the hormone dopamine. This also means that sensual impressions overwhelm them more quickly than extroverts. The latter, in turn, needs more stimulation to release the same amount of dopamine. Therefore, they thrive in the company of others and quickly feel lonely.
Finally, work in peace! Introverts enjoy working from home
The home office is a form of self-care for introverts—they can best meet their needs at home. Not only do they have more peace and quiet to work in focus – they also benefit from less commuting time. Because instead of having to put themselves under more stress while traveling by bike, subway, or car, they can do what they personally need to shut down after work at home immediately after turning off their laptop: sports, reading, meditating, or just watching TV.
In the context of the pandemic, many people have fulfilled their dream of living in the countryside, including the dog. Of course, this applies not only to introverts, but often they need a quieter living environment. However, without having to spend two hours a day on a commuter train. Those who now work only or at least primarily at their kitchen table and colleagues no longer have to make their residence dependent on the accessibility of the workplace. And the perhaps long-awaited dream of having a four-legged roommate is finally made possible thanks to spending so much time at home.
Cheers to video calls!
And the everyday reality of the remote model — including virtual meetings and self-determining work — is a boon to many quiet people. For even if they sometimes miss their colleagues, what they certainly do not miss are the many interruptions and disruptive factors of everyday office life: here someone is on the phone loudly, there are two people talking in the hallway … Instead, they can work in a focused manner, in Their own pace, according to their needs.
Example: After physical meetings in the office, introverts often lack time to think calmly about what has been discussed and rated. Instead, perhaps on the way back from Confi, I engaged a colleague in direct conversation. After a video call, they can group themselves into their own four walls and arrange their own tasks.
Virtual meetings are often more fun for introverts anyway: many people find it difficult to speak in front of a group of people — it just gets easier digitally. Because you only see a few people in the little squares on the screen rather than a live, colorful view of everyone at the same time.
Plus, thanks to digital tools like the raise hand option, it’s often easier to express your opinion without having to raise your voice (an absolute horror for an introvert!). In general, the pace of video calls is often a bit slower than face-to-face meetings. This gives withdrawing people more time to think and see what they are going to say.
Home office or office: in which direction is the world of work evolving?
The big question now is: What happens after the pandemic (when did this imaginary moment come…)? Are we all going to shut down subways, highways, and bike lanes every day and stay in the office for eight hours? I hope not! Fortunately, many companies want to continue to pay flexible forms where work permits. This can mean: completion of work in the home office or one or more fixed work days, such as when a brainstorming session or an important appointment is pending.
We hope that introverts and of course anyone else who loves working from home will have the opportunity to organize their daily work according to their needs. And in the end to achieve the best and most efficient work result!
Something is also going on with regards to office space. Where open-plan offices and shared office options make sense because not all seats are taken daily, many companies now make sure there are still enough retreats for focused work (or to take a deep breath in between…). Some employers also offer colored cubes or light beacon systems on desks, signaling to my chatty colleagues: I need peace – please don’t take it personally.
After all, this is the most important thing: no one wants to deliberately harm others with his preferences or needs or make his life difficult – neither introverts nor extroverts. And if the dumb pandemic has at least one good thing, it’s that we’ve all taken a closer look at the “eight hour five days a week in the office” structure — and in many cases we’ve found that there is another way. After all, when employees feel comfortable and can do really well, everyone benefits in the end.
Source used: bbc.com
