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How to cater for introverts and extroverts in the workplace

There are numerous aspects to personality, but one binary example is to identify whether each employee is an introvert or an extrovert.

Blending both introverts and extroverts successfully into your organisation may provide your business with a competitive advantage and improve your workplace culture.

This blog post looks at what the differences are between introverted and extroverted people and also what kind of workplace settings help make both of these personality types thrive.

 

What is an introvert and extrovert?

Every workplace has a diverse range of characters – but despite there being many dimensions and differences when it comes to our personalities, the majority of employees can usually be placed into one of two categories: introverts or extroverts.

Extroverts are energised by large groups of people and love engaging with the world around them, whereas introverts need alone time to recharge, and are often more reserved in nature than their extroverted counterparts.

Extroverts will typically engage in social interactions with practically everyone at work, whereas introverts may prefer to work alone.

Having both personality types within your company is a great way to achieve balance, as both personality types bring something unique to your company.

However, because of the reasons listed above, the two different traits can often conflict in crowded, open plan workspaces if certain considerations are not kept in mind.

What makes an extrovert thrive in the workplace?

Extroverts are usually vivacious, lively, and always willing to join in a discussion or activity. In a work setting, these are the type of people who are outgoing and capable of forming close associations with others very quickly. 

Given these attributes, an extrovert is likely to benefit from a more open plan workspace as they desire to interact with others and work together throughout the day.  This is often because they are more productive when they have the opportunity to bounce ideas off other people throughout the day. 

What makes an introvert thrive in the workplace?

Introverts usually have great concentration and problem-solving skills and often prefer to work in solidarity. They’re typically more watchful, patient workers who aren’t as gregarious as their more collaborative counterparts.

Because of these characteristics, introverts may prefer private workstations in order to thrive.  Private workstations or rooms offer a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of their coworkers and other distractions during the day. 

Creating a balanced workplace that works for introverts and extroverts

As an employer, it’s important that your employees feel comfortable and able to work in a way that suits them. This can not only encourage their productivity – but it makes for a better company culture, where talent can be nurtured.

The best way to approach this situation is to offer a workspace that caters to extroverts – by offering them the collaborative space they need to thrive, but also offering spaces or rooms within the building that act as a quieter, distraction-free zone for the introverts.

Doing so means that introverts can enjoy alone time to complete tasks in solitude, while extroverts can be in open areas with other colleagues for collaboration.

The perfect solution

At Pure offices, we provide dynamic office space that caters to all types of personalities and ways of working so that your business can ensure employees are happy, engaged and productive. 

Check out our serviced office spaces in your location here and contact us with any specific requirements or questions you may have.