Today is all about your introverted work life. Specifically, how to make your workspace more introvert friendly.
This is for anyone who’s found themselves overwhelmed and overstimulated at work, especially to the point that they find themselves drained at the end of the day.
Admittedly, this post really only applies to anyone who has a designated workspace. So if you’re someone in the service or retail industry, and you don’t have a desk/office/cubicle/workbench/etc, you may not get as much out of this post as those that do.
However, you’ll likely find that several of these tips can be modified to meet almost any need and work environment.
It’s also worth mentioning that this post was written under the assumption that you work in a more-or-less respectful, non-toxic work environment. (Navigating an unreasonable boss, toxic co-workers, etc is a whole other post).
With all of that in mind, here are ten tips to help you make your workspace as introvert friendly as possible.
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Set boundaries
Introverts need to recharge. The busier the work environment is, the more essential the off hours become.
As a result, it’s a good idea to establish some clear boundaries of when you’re available and when you’re not. You’re allowed to not be attached to your phone and email (unless, of course, you’re being paid to be attached to your phone and email).
This also includes what extra work you’re willing to take on, such as covering for a co-worker or adding a project to your plate without taking something off.
You may have less leeway when it comes to tasks your boss asks you to do, but you don’t have to do your co-worker a favor if it really doesn’t work for you.
And if your boss asks you to do something that isn’t really apart of your job description or puts too much on your plate, it’s okay to politely push back and set a boundary.
You can say something like, “Thanks for thinking of me, but that’s not really a strength of mine.” And if you can counter with what you can do, all the better.
If you’ve got too much to tackle, you can say, “I’d be happy to help, but with A, B, and, C on my plate, I don’t know how I can get to everything. Which of these is your top priory?”
For more on setting boundaries, check out this post.
Use headphones
If you’re in a work environment that doesn’t have a door, it can sometimes be a bit much for introverts if they have a lot going on around them.
This can lead to distraction, overwhelm, and low productivity.
One way to minimize these issues is with headphones. (As long as it lines up with your workplace policies.)
You can block out some of the craziness around you with music, white noise, or other ambient sounds.
Add some nature
Introverts typically find nature calming and restorative, so you may find that you benefit from adding a plant or two to your workspace.
It doesn’t have to be big or require a lot of care. A little googling will help you find a low maintenance indoor plant that will thrive in whatever environment your work in.
For more on how nature can benefit introverts, check out this post.
Check-in with your senses
Introverts can get overwhelmed and stressed by sensory stimulation. And the more stressed or drained we are, the more sensitive we tend to be.
One way to help combat this stress and overwhelm at work is to give yourself some low-stimulation and/or calming options to use as needed.
This may mean bringing in some lamps so you can turn off the overhead light in your office, or getting yourself a diffuser and some essential oils for your desk.
You can find essential oils combos for everything from stress relief to focus, depending on what you need most.
You can even modify this introvert sanctuary post to create an introverted work sanctuary.
Get comfortable
Like we touched on, introverts often become more sensitive to sensory stimulation when they get drained.
Odds are, the later you get into your workday, the more drained you’ll become–even on the best of days.
As a result, your tight shoes and chilly office may become serious distractions by the end of the day. If you’re in an environment where you can get a little more comfortable, take advantage of it!
This may mean leaving some slippers in your drawer to wear when you’re sitting at your desk, or wrapping yourself in a blanket.
Whatever you need (and can) do to be more comfortable, do it.
Close a door
If you’ve got the luxury of your own separated workspace that comes complete with a door, you should absolutely take advantage of that and close it from time to time.
And if you don’t, see if there’s a shared space (like a conference room or something similar) that may have an hour or so a day free.
Even just a little bit of quiet can go a long way for an introvert at work.
Take your lunch/break outside
Getting away from others can help you get a mini recharge in and give you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day.
Make it a point to take your lunches and breaks away from your workspace and (ideally) away from anyone who may need or want something from you.
Even if you have an office, it’s not always enough to close the door in this situation. If you’re in your office, people know where to find you, and they may not realize you’re on your lunch break.
You should also avoid working through lunch at all costs–no matter how much you think you have to do.
You’re likely to be more productive and get more done if you take the time to recharge than if you try to push through when you’re running on fumes.
Find one or two trusted confidants
As introverts, we’re naturally more inclined to have a few close friends than a large group of friends. You can apply this same principle to your work life.
You don’t have to be friends with everyone in the department or go for drinks after work.
Instead, try to cultivate one or two meaningful relationships with co-workers you feel like you can trust. This gives you people you can talk to and check in with during the day. These can also be the people you’re maybe more willing to help out more freely.
This allows you to have some good working relationships without draining yourself trying to keep up with and help everyone.
Take a minute when you need it
Even the calmest jobs get stressful from time to time. Maybe there’s a big project or a transition period of some kind. Or maybe the nature of your job is always a little more stressful.
Regardless, it’s okay to take a minute to think and breathe when you need to.
Take ten minutes to step outside, or use part of your break to take a walk.
This is especially true in busy times when you may be too overwhelmed to process what’s being asked of you on the spot.
It’s okay to say, “Let me think about it and get back to you.” Even if you only need, like, five minutes to think things through.
Looking for more in-depth tips on how to manage your introverted work life?
If you want to dig a little deeper into this topic, check out the Introvert Life Guide!
This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams. And it’s full of plenty of tips and tricks to help you manage your introvert life at work.
It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!
For more introvert life tips, check out the other introvert posts!
Sound off: In what ways have you made your work environment more introvert friendly? Tell us about it in the comments!