How Introverts Can Survive A Collaborative Workspace

The collaborative workspace trend, where employees are encouraged to work in teams with little space or privacy, is slowly taking over the corporate world. Although many employees love the transparency and open door policies this trend has brought, this is truly a nightmarish working situation for introverts. But with this open floor plan only growing in popularity, how will introverts handle the change? Here are some tips for how introverts can survive a collaborative workspace.

Check in daily.

Have you found the one quiet space in a collaborative work area where you can work by yourself with no distractions? Savor it. But, be sure to take the time to check in with your boss and coworkers on a daily basis. You know that expression out of sight, out of mind? That has never been truer than it is in the modern workplace. Your boss will not think of you for a promotion or added responsibility if you’re always hovered in the corner on your own. Make your rounds every morning to see how everyone in your team is, and touch base with your boss on the progress you’ve made on any projects. This may sound like an introvert’s nightmare, but it’s how you can keep a balance of working alone while still being present in coworkers’ minds.

Take a walk.

No quiet spaces available? You may be forced to suffer in the middle of the collaborative workspace, which means you’ll be surrounded by loud conversations, coworkers, and ringing phones. All of this stimulation can really wear out introverts, which is why it’s important to take time everyday to schedule a walk on your own. Plan to take this time in the middle of the day so you can unwind from the morning and recharge for the afternoon. If the weather is bad outside, look for a stairwell where you can get some exercise and clear your mind by going up and down the stairs.

Invest in headphones.

It’s not unusual to see employees with headphones in their ears within a collaborative workspace. For introverts, these headphones will become a must-have for survival among extroverted coworkers. Introverts find it hard to focus and complete work with a lot of noise and stimulation, so purchasing noise-canceling headphones can imitate the feeling of being isolated, allowing introverts to concentrate with ease. Plus, since many other coworkers use headphones to listen to music throughout the day, introverts won’t feel out of place by wearing their own.

Book a conference room.

Many larger companies have multiple conference rooms that can be booked in advance for team meetings or client presentations. If you’re an introvert who is having trouble getting work done because you can’t concentrate or relax in an open floor plan workspace, try booking a smaller conference room when you have a large task or project to work on. This will allow you to get into your groove working by yourself in peace and quiet!

Don’t wait for the brainstorming meeting.

In today’s workplace, managers love to schedule meetings dedicated to brainstorming new ideas or coming up with a solution to a company problem. Although extroverts crave this type of collaboration, introverts will probably start to get nauseous at the thought of having to make themselves vulnerable by sharing their ideas in the open. Introverts prefer to know what the meeting is about ahead of time so they can brainstorm on their own, hammer out the details, and present a fully thought-out idea once in front of others. Check in with your boss and get information about the meeting’s content ahead of time so you can prepare on your own. Not only will this calm your nerves, it will show your boss you’re taking initiative!

What are your thoughts on the collaborative workspace trend? Tell us in the comments below!