10 Tips for Introverts to Help Them Thrive in the Workplace

There’s nothing worse than going to a job you hate. As an introvert, we have specific workplace preferences because they genuinely impact our mental health. Acknowledge your preferences and find a job that matches them. If you don’t like speaking to strangers, maybe that intense sales position that requires cold calling isn’t for you. Don’t like speaking in front of crowds? Maybe don’t apply for that position that requires a ton of public speaking. You may be able to fake it for a day, but faking it for months on end will wear you down. However, be careful not to underestimate yourself and recognize where you can reasonably test your boundaries for personal growth. Here are some jobs that might be well-suited for introverts: graphic designer, copywriter, lab technician, engineering.  

As an introvert, speaking up about what we’re good at can be tough. Sure, we’re humble people, but in the workplace there is such a thing as being too humble. Too often, introverts are behind brilliant ideas and work efficiencies but are hesitant to take the credit for them. There’s no shame in speaking up about a project or initiative you’re working on, or the countless ways that you’re creating value for your workplace. You work hard and you deserve to be recognized!

“Small talk is the worst,” said every introvert who ever lived. Introverts abhor small talk because it feels like putting yourself through unnecessary social anxiety. Long elevator rides and running into acquaintances can be nightmarish because quickly coming up with things to say isn’t really our forte. Avoid awkward silences by having a go-to set of questions that you ask when you have those office run-ins.

Introvert convo starters:

“How was your weekend?” “Do you have a vacation coming up?” “What have you been working on lately?”

You’ll be surprised how simple questions can break the ice and get you feeling more comfortable in potentially awkward situations.

Extroverts find social activity energizing, while introverts find social activity exhausting. Just because we live in an extrovert’s world, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your well-being. After spurts of social activity, like an office party or a meeting where you were required to speak a lot, take the time to recover before returning to work as usual. Go for a walk, listen to calming music, or take a coffee break. After you recharge, you’ll be ready to take on the rest of your day.

Most people don’t enjoy speaking in front of crowds, but for introverts it’s even more uncomfortable. We prefer to take time to formulate our thoughts instead of saying the first thing that comes to our minds. This makes brainstorming out loud and contributing to meetings difficult. This doesn’t mean we have anything less to contribute; it just means we’re more thoughtful, and being thoughtful takes time. Before heading into a meeting, create a bullet list of things you’d like say. Try practicing presentations in front of someone to get acquainted with the discomfort you’ll most likely feel while doing the real thing.

Being an introvert means you speak less and think more. However, getting caught up in your head, especially with negative thoughts, can cause you to spiral. Stress can build up over time and can seriously affect your health so it’s important that you find stress-relievers that work for you. Go to the gym, meditate to clear your thoughts, or lean on someone you trust to talk through your thoughts and emotions.

You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every social activity that comes up at work. If your co-workers are making plans for a weekly pub night , don’t feel obligated to go every single time. Sometimes it’s better to opt-out instead of going and being visibly miserable about it. For some people, social activities after work is relaxing, but for introverts it can be completely draining and you shouldn’t feel forced to do it. Sometimes it’s okay to go home and unwind the way you want to!

Introverts often have unique and interesting hobbies that satisfy their desire to cope in an extrovert’s world. Maybe you like reading manga, or watching human rights documentaries, or gardening, or aerial yoga. Be proud of it! Chances are people don’t know a lot about you because of your introversion, so these hobbies can shed light on our sometimes hidden personalities. Also, they spark conversation and show off how super awesome you are.

If you have the option to work from home from time-to-time, take advantage of it to recharge your batteries. You’ll feel more comfortable in your own space, and you’re most likely more productive when left to your own devices.

Living in an extrovert’s world, it’s easy for an introvert to start believing that there’s something wrong with them. There isn’t! What makes you different is what makes you special, and you don’t have to change your unique DNA for anyone. Being an introvert is at the core of who you are, and trying to change that is like trying to swim a river upstream. You’ll just be miserable and exhausted. Embrace your desire for peace and introspection, value your ability to listen and innovate, and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it.