Introduction
Welcome to the world of remote work, where the hustle and bustle of the office space transforms into the quiet solitude of staring at the same wall/poster/plant for hours on end.
Extroverts, known for their sociable and outgoing nature, often find the solitude of remote work a bit daunting. The absence of daily office banter and impromptu coffee breaks can leave extroverts craving the energy that comes from social connections.
But is that how extroverts actually feel?
According to talentculture.com, maybe not:
78% of extroverts recently told us they enjoy working from home, while 74% said they appreciate the peace and quiet of a home office.
Embracing The WFH Lifestyle
It sounds like extroverted workers, much like their more introverted counterparts, are embracing the wfh lifestyle and finding their own ways to combat isolation.
If you’re not in that camp, or you are, but you’d like some inspiration on how to cultivate a stimulating workspace, here’s a few ideas:
Create A Vibrant Remote Workspace
Remote work offers a unique set of advantages for extroverts. The freedom to design your own workspace and add a personalized touch to create a vibrant, engaging environment that suits your sociable spirit.
Start by building your home office with elements that reflect your personality. Decorate with colors that energize you, add plants for a touch of nature, and consider setting up a comfortable space for virtual meetings to recreate the collaborative atmosphere of an office.
Leverage Technology For Social Connection
Virtual communication tools become your best friends in a remote setting. Schedule regular video calls with colleagues to maintain face-to-face interactions.
Embrace the power of instant messaging for casual chats and keep the virtual water cooler conversation alive. Group chats are especially useful for installing some energy on topics, work related or otherwise.
Establish A Remote Work Routine
Craft a routine that works for you, whether that be red time, power hours or mixing social and business interactions intermittently – you know you best so allow yourself this freedom. Schedule breaks for quick phone calls, virtual coffee breaks.
Balancing work and sociable activities is key to maintaining your extroverted energy.
If your employer allows, like some do, a flexible approach to when you undertake your contracted hours, use this flexibility to find a schedule that works for you. 9-5 isn’t always the best structure for everyone.
Find Networking Opportunities
Join online communities and professional groups relevant to your industry. Attend virtual networking events to broaden your connections. These platforms provide valuable opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals and maintain a social presence.
Posting on LinkedIn or contributing to discussions on Reddit are also great ways to interact with others working from home.
Collaborative Projects and Team Building:
Suggest virtual team-building activities that encourage social interaction. Initiatives like virtual trivia, online game nights.
Reach out to a colleague to collaborate on a project, even if it’s just a small task, this can help bridge the gap and build camaraderie among team members.
Balance Work And Personal Life
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Reserve your non-working hours for social activities. Plan virtual gatherings with friends, join online classes, or pursue hobbies that allow you to connect with others outside of work.
Get Outside
Get outside as much as you can, whether that be for a 30 minute walk, before work, on your lunch break or when you finish, changing your perspective will refresh your mind. If you aren’t able to, even changing up rooms for a period of time will be beneficial to freshen up your outlook.
Overcome Challenges And Celebrate Wins
Acknowledge the challenges but focus on the wins. Share your experiences with fellow extroverts, and celebrate the successes that come from adapting to this new work style.
Had a big win, or completed a crucial project recently? – get it on Slack (or other company comms tool) and message the wider org and let them know. The endorphin rush will help get you through the day.
Make sure to acknowledge other’s successes too – this is a great way to build togetherness and foster a collaborative environment.
Conclusion
In the world of remote work, extroverts can not only survive but thrive by embracing the sociable WFH lifestyle. Personalize your workspace, leverage technology for social connections, and create a routine that blends work with social interactions.
As you navigate this new terrain, remember that the remote work environment is what you make of it – an opportunity for personal and professional growth, even for the most sociable among us.
James Waite
Founder of Remoteopia, James has worked in remote roles for 6 years. After a stint in recruitment, he now works as a director of website strategy in tech.
