WX trends: How to navigate being an introvert at work

Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.

This week in WX trends, we learn about the strengths that introverts bring to the table – and how to harness them. Next, extroverts can showcase their passion at work more naturally – but what does that mean for introverts? Finally, why introverted leaders are a good choice nowadays.

How to tap into an introvert’s strengths

The workplace has become more introvert-friendly, thanks to changes spurred by the pandemic, according to an article in Inc. Remote and hybrid work options are now common, allowing introverts — who thrive in quiet, focused environments — to be more productive and manage their energy better.

Before these changes, introverts often faced challenges in traditional office settings, which favored extroverts, especially in leadership roles.

Despite making up about half of the population, introverts are underrepresented in leadership, and they earn less than extroverts. However, studies show introverts can be just as effective, if not more so, in leadership positions, the article states. The increased focus on mental health, fairness, and flexibility in the workplace is helping to address these biases.

To fully harness the strengths of introverted employees, leaders should focus on developing their leadership skills, encouraging one-on-one connections, and creating spaces that allow for deep, focused work, the article concludes.

“By embracing these changes, workplaces can better support introverts and benefit from their unique strengths,” says Holly Grogan, Chief Experience Officer at Appspace.

“The right employee comms solutions can help give more introverted employees a voice, with communities where they can share and contribute.”

Introverts don’t lack passion at work

People often mistake outward enthusiasm for passion, especially in the workplace. If an employee is animated and vocal, they’re often seen as more passionate, while a quieter, more reserved colleague might be overlooked, according to an article in the Harvard Business Review.

But this perception can be misleading, warn the article authors. Extroverts naturally express their emotions more visibly, which makes them appear more passionate, even when introverts may feel just as strongly about their work.

This bias can lead to unfair advantages for extroverted employees, who may be rewarded with promotions and resources simply because their passion is more noticeable. Meanwhile, introverts, who might express passion through deep focus and dedication, can be undervalued.

To combat this, managers should take steps to understand how each employee expresses passion and reward true commitment rather than flashy performances, the article continues. They should also create environments where introverts can thrive without having to mimic extroverted behaviors, which can be exhausting.

Introverts can try to make their passion more visible, but they need to balance this with their wellbeing, the article concludes.

Passion isn’t always loud or flashy, and recognizing the quiet, steady kind can lead to a more inclusive and fair workplace, says Grogan.

5 reasons why introverts make great leaders

Extroverts have benefited from the typical assumptions: they’re more likeable, intelligent, and naturally suited for leadership, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.

But research shows these beliefs aren’t entirely accurate. Introverts are just as effective as extroverts in both academic and corporate settings, and a CEO’s charisma doesn’t necessarily translate to better company performance.

Despite these findings, extroverts are still more often chosen as leaders, which is a missed opportunity. Especially in our post-pandemic world of remote work and digital communication, introverts might actually be better equipped to lead, the article states. The myths that effective leaders must be outgoing and that quiet people lack leadership skills overlook the strengths introverts bring.

Here’s why introverts could be ideal leaders in today’s workplace:

Remote Work: Extroverts struggled with productivity and satisfaction during remote work, while introverts thrived.

Adversity: Introverts are better at handling change and conflict, showing empathy and thoughtful communication.

Imaginativeness: Introverts excel at innovative thinking after group discussions, leading to more creative solutions.

Facing Challenges: Introverts are more likely to tackle difficult situations head-on, generating valuable insights.

Flexibility: Introverts are less prone to burnout, making them more resilient leaders.