HOW INTROVERTS CAN PREPARE EMOTIONALLY FOR OFFICES REOPENING

 

I recently stumbled upon and reread an article I wrote on the topic "Introversion at Workplace" (https://lnkd.in/darykgtM) This was written way back in the year 2008. One positive change that I have seen since then is that workplaces are increasingly becoming more inclusive. One gets a lot of hope when topics like inclusivity get the airtime in leadership meetings. On the other hand, arguably, the inclusion based on personality types is a topic that isn't talked about as much as it probably should.

Introversion and Extroversion are considered different ends of the human personality spectrum. An introvert person draws their energy from their internal world of ideas and emotions whereas an extrovert person gets energized by the external world through socializing, meeting people, going places, doing outward bound things.
 
In her book- "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking", Susan Cain emphasizes that companies should not create workplaces tailored only to extroverts. She suggests that to provide both extroverts and introverts with a suitable environment, make your workspace more flexible: give employees the chance to exchange ideas but also to withdraw and be alone.
 
Work from home truly provided ample spaces for introverts to recharge and reenergize. However, with the offices reopening (even though partially) we usher in truly into the hybrid work era. While organizations need to do their bit to make employees with introvert personalities feel more inclusive, the onus. to an extent, also lies with introverts to tune-in for a return to work scenario.
 
Harvey Deutschendorf, the author of a recent Fast Company article (link in comments) shares the simple strategies for Introverts to prepare for return to office scenarios. Summary of the points below-
 
1. Practice self-care: “When introverts practice good self-care and tap into their unique ability to listen deeply, collaborate, problem solve, and build trust, they can leverage their subtle but powerful abilities.” 
 
2. Ask for what you need: Having a frank conversation with your manager about how you work best can go a long way to quell nerves about a return to the office.
 
3. Reach out to others for support: Many introverts have a small close group of people in their lives outside of work that they can reach out to for support during a difficult transition time.
 
4. Gradually expose yourself to new situations: Slowly exposing yourself to new situations before the actual event will help ease the transition
 
Catch the summary of the article in my sketchnote.
 
What ideas do you have to make workplaces more inclusive based on different personality types ?

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anujmagazine_how-introverts-can-prepare-emotionally-for-activity-6909683782904074240-K8ps/?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web