5 things introverts wished their workplace understood

It can be hard being an introvert in the workplace.

The busy and often lively buzz of the office can leave us feeling over-stimulated, and the same energy that vitalizes the more extroverted colleagues can leave us feeling completely drained.

As more businesses are stepping away from cubicle style offices and embracing open plan layouts, the ever present chatter and socialising can be daunting to those of us that need to recharge in a calm and quiet environment.

The effects of feeling drained from a busy environment can have a negative impact as introverts will then tend to draw into themselves to recharge and prevent further exhaustion - from an outside perspective, this is often mistaken for the shy, unsocial and even disinterested characteristics which are often associated with introverts.

With more companies beginning to bring employees back in to the office, it may be even harder for introverts to re-adjust to office life after working remotely for so long.

So to help others understand what makes introverts tick; I have compiled my list of the 5 things we wished workplaces understood alongside some tips on how introverts can meet them half way.

1. Please don't mistake my quiet nature for disinterest

If I'm quiet during a meeting, it doesn't mean I'm not engaged or listening. It just means I have nothing of value to add and don't like to speak for the sake of it. An introvert will only say something if they feel it will benefit the conversation.

Alternatively, it can mean I am trying to make sense of the noise in my mind and need time to reflect on what is being said. Often times introverts will work at their best when given time to digest the information and are not asked for their thoughts on the spot.

Another thing to take into consideration is that introverts may not feel comfortable expressing their thoughts in front of 3 people or more - forcing an introvert into this situation can make us feel very anxious and uncomfortable.

On the other side of things however, it can be difficult and frustrating for extroverts to feel like they are having a one way conversation. Working with different personality types can be a struggle so we also need to understand our extroverted colleagues needs and take these into consideration too.

So, if I'm asking my workplace to appreciate my needs, then how can I meet my colleagues half way?

Here's a few tips:

Try to make a conscious effort to look engaged, using body language and non-verbal communication to show that you are listening and taking in what is being said. A subtle head nod and smile now and then goes a long way.

Make eye contact throughout to show that the other party is not talking to themselves.

Even if the meeting is being minuted, take your own notes so that you can reflect on them later. This will show that you are taking note of the discussion and will also prevent you from zoning out or day dreaming and missing something crucial.

If you're put on the spot or haven't had time to formulate your response, it's okay to politely say that you will get back to them about that shortly.

2. If you want me at my best, don't cram too many meetings into my day

Continuing with the meeting theme, please please please don't schedule multiple meetings in one day.

Sometimes even navigating one meeting is exhausting enough; as introverts lose energy from being around people, it can be so draining after 1 or 2 that I wouldn't be performing at my best. Spreading them out throughout my week will definitely help me to manage my energy levels and give me time to recharge my batteries in-between.

Also, I always appreciate when a colleague asks what date and time works well for me, instead of just scheduling something into my diary. This goes a long way with helping to make sure we are not over stimulating ourselves and helps us to manage the days ahead.

That being said however, I know this is something that can't always be helped.

So it's important to also make an effort to be flexible and understand that sometimes urgent meetings are necessary. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with being honest about your needs and helping your colleagues to understand how they can support you to perform at your best.

3. I promise I'm passionate about what I do - even if it might not always seem like it

Introverts can be very private people - pair this with a naturally laid back approach and a calm exterior and you get a recipe for disaster.

Even when I am excited about a new project my persona will never give that away. No matter how hard I try to display my enthusiasm, it does not come across naturally and can be frustrating for both myself and my colleagues.

It's important for me that I let the standard of my work speak for itself - it's easier to show my passion through what I produce.

Introverts struggle to show how they feel and that doesn't stop at negative emotions. We spend so much time in our own heads, that sometimes we actually forget to show this on the surface.

I can liken this to a robot version of myself that is being controlled by thousands of tiny Illesse's inside. The tiny me's are all running around excited about what is happening, but nobody has remembered to click the button that turns on the robot Illesse's smile. My mind is buzzing with creativity and ideas, but my exterior is stuck in Resting B*tch Face.

I appreciate that this can be frustrating for others that may feel that I am disinterested about exciting new projects. So despite it feeling unnatural and draining, it's important to at least make an effort to be open and display enthusiasm in any way that you can. Try to send a positive and energetic email showing your passion for the project... that can go a long way.

4. I can't do small talk

Please don't ask me what I did on the weekend - chances are I hid under my duvet and spent all weekend recharging at home.

I am a social person, in moderation, and have no issue engaging in conversation with my colleagues. However, trying to think of things to fill the silence is not something an introvert will feel comfortable doing. Especially when we are probably using the silence to relax and recharge.

I mentioned earlier that introverts only say something that will add value to the conversation, and so we can't think of anything worse than trying to make awkward small talk.

9 times out of 10, if you speak to an introvert about something that interests them instead, you'll have a hard time shutting them up. Introverts are deep people and would much rather spend their energies talking about what book their currently reading, life on other planets or what their dreams are etc.

It's important to remember however, that on the other side of the spectrum are extroverts; they replenish their energies from being around other people instead of being alone and would prefer to fill the silence. Every personality type has different needs that are all just as important as the next.

So although it may be draining, it is also important to make an effort for your extroverted colleagues. It's a balancing act - the only way to achieve this is through being honest about your needs.

5. Please understand if I can't come to every single after work social

And finally, please don't pressure me into coming to every social event.

There's nothing worse than being made to feel guilty; I'll already feel guilty enough.

I know it's important to spend time with my colleagues outside of the office environment and would love to attend all of them, but sometimes I'll need to put myself first and take myself away from social environments to recharge.

It's the constant struggle of an introvert - needing time alone to recharge but also hating feeling lonely and missing out.

So I promise I will make an effort to attend as many as I can, but please meet me halfway too.