How can we cater to introverts in the modern office?

“Quiet people have the loudest minds,” is one of Stephen Hawking’s most famous quotes. Hawking was referring to the strength of introverts – a demographic that comprises between one-third and half of the human population, according to Susan Cain’s book ‘Quiet’.

The majority of people are primarily extroverted or introverted. But unfortunately for introverts, the modern world has developed to champion and play to the natural strengths of extroverts. This is often linked to humankind’s move to a fast-paced, urbanised existence where first impressions count and being heard in a crowd is crucial.

But by overlooking introverts and their preferred ways of working, businesses are failing to make the most of their workforce.

Time for change

Contrary to popular belief, introverts aren’t necessarily shy, they simply need less stimulation from their physical surroundings. By contrast, extroverts are energised by the outer world and through interacting with others, and tend to be outgoing and vocal.

So how can we cater to introverts? In a world of open-plan offices, group brainstorms and hot desking, businesses must consider flexible management techniques that allow introverts to thrive. For example, give them time alone or in small groups, and ensure a clear work structure is in place with defined goals.

To the cloud

Advances in technology are making it easier than ever to provide a better environment for introverts. Cloud computing has enabled mass access to different platforms, creating a space where people can communicate, collaborate and innovate around the globe.

Introverts may find digital working more productive and a more comfortable channel to express their creativity. Indeed, the internet is increasingly seen as a liberator of introverts. This is because the people who regularly get heard in a 20-person brainstorming session aren’t necessarily the most innovative, or even likely to have the best ideas. They are, however, likely to be extroverted. Digital platforms allow users to innovate individually before bringing their resulting ideas together for team collaboration, which plays to the working preferences of introverts.

For instance, LinkedIn allows people to network online without attending a traditional, busy networking event.

Companies are slowly adjusting to new ways of fostering innovation and harnessing the collective power of their greatest asset – their employees. Social platforms like Facebook and Twitter are being replicated in B2B programmes, creating new freedoms in the workplace – especially for introverts, who are often more engaged via social media than they would be in face-to-face situations.

Services like Yammer provide an online space for small businesses to encourage communication and idea creation. For larger organisations and enterprises, scalable innovation management platforms are available to provide an environment for all employees (introvert or extrovert) – as well as a wider audience – to express themselves.

Introverts wanted!
For anyone thinking twice about hiring an introvert, remember the many great introverts – Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, Michael Jordan and JK Rowling to name a few.

By introducing more flexible working practices and using modern technology, organisations can drive innovation and workforce efficiency, harness ideas regardless of personality type and level the playing field for innovative thinking. More importantly, they can provide happier, more engaging work environments for their staff, many of whom may be introverts working in an extrovert’s world.

Author – Matt Chapman

Website – https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2015/jun/24/introverts-modern-office-workplace