An Extroverts Guide to Working from Home

An Extroverts Guide to Working from Home banner

As social beings, we are not meant to be completely alone or working from a tiny office all day long by ourselves. While this is challenging for many people, it can be particularly difficult for extroverts, or those who are outgoing and enjoy being the center of attention. Extroverts are generally characterized as having numerous broad interests, tend to be quick to take action, enjoy group work, spend a lot of time in social activities, have quite a few friends, and are energized by being around other people. Introverts, on the other hand, generally get their energy from having time to be alone with their thoughts, reflecting, and having time on their own to recharge. While introverts are still social beings, they tend to prefer working in small groups or having some one-on-one interactions with friends or colleagues.

Challenges of Zoom Meetings

While virtual platforms like Zoom do allow us to connect with friends and colleagues, it does not take the place of in-person meetings. For introverts, the challenge of video calls may lie in the fact that people are often talking over each other, there is hardly time to process or think (virtually, pausing may seem awkward or represent a lull in the conversation), or the fact that people are essentially put on the spot in front of a bunch of people. For extroverts, they miss the physical interaction with people. Many extroverts take for granted the ability to walk down the hall and chat with a coworker or sit next to friends in class. While times are challenging for everyone, they are likely extra challenging for those social extroverts.

Tips for Extroverts

Even though you may be on Zoom calls all day for work or school, the key is to make sure you are still making time to connect with family and friends. Both introverts and extroverts may experience Zoom fatigue, but while introverts may like to be alone or read a book to recharge, extroverts recharge by being social. Unfortunately, during these times, this may mean jumping on another call. Here are six ways you can make the best of video calls as an extrovert.

1. Switch up the setting.

If you usually work at home in an office, try doing your social calls from the kitchen. Put the lights on, turn on some music, and liven up your space so that it feels different for you.

2. Get social interaction where you can.

Even small things like taking a walk in the middle of the day can help you feel more social. You can still see people, wave to them, or chat with them from a distance.

3. Make sure you are using virtual platforms as much as possible.

Instead of sending an email, schedule a video call or meeting to talk about something, even if it is a quick question. If you feel like it is too much to schedule a video call, then pick up the phone and call the person to ask the question. Even speaking on the phone instead of through email will allow for a more social connection.

4. See the people in your circle.

If you have a “pod” that you have been sticking to throughout the duration of the pandemic, try to see those people as much as you can. Seek out new activities that you can do together to keep the days/weeks/months from getting too monotonous. Maybe you could create a group co-working space with other people in your pod so that you are not isolated in your individual room or office.

5. Crank up those tunes!

Extroverts tend to get energy from loud music. Extroverts thrive in a chaotic environment and typically feel empowered by multi-tasking and doing many things at once. So, put on some music in the background when you are working or driving.

6. Do your best.

When you can, express empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. If you are an extrovert, try to take a moment to pause while you’re on a virtual call and give those introverts time to think, reflect, and prepare their response. If you are an introvert, try to understand that extroverts may be very burned out right now and lacking some of the social self-care tools that they previously had. Try to reach out and connect with them when you can.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for introverts and extroverts alike. We are all trying to work through these difficult times together, and I think a little compassion can go a long way!

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