A lot has changed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic: AStarting with distance rules, compulsory masks and homeschooling, through the complete lockdown of everyday life to drastic upheavals in everyday work: the ‘new normal’ was the move away from the open-plan office and working together on site to the workplace at home in your own four walls – the home office. This was not a slow development of New Work and Work 4.0 that established itself over the years , but a radical turning point: from one day to the next, countless employees moved from the office to the home office for an indefinite period of time.
Although the home office obligation has officially been lifted since July 1st, 2021, studies that have observed developments in the world of work for over a year show that the labor market and everyday life will also change in the long term as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. While in April 2020 15 percent of those surveyed were still of the opinion that nothing would change in the status quo of the working world in the long term, in March 2021 only 7 percent believed that. In March 2021, 61 percent of those surveyed are of the opinion that the home office will increasingly be retained in the long term even after the pandemic . Likewise, 55 percent see a flexible change between office and home office as a real possibility in the future.
Although the home office obligation has officially been lifted since July 1st, 2021, studies that have observed developments in the world of work for over a year show that the labor market and everyday life will also change in the long term as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. While in April 2020 15 percent of those surveyed were still of the opinion that nothing would change in the status quo of the working world in the long term, in March 2021 only 7 percent believed that. In March 2021, 61 percent of those surveyed are of the opinion that the home office will increasingly be retained in the long term even after the pandemic. Likewise, 55 percent see a flexible change between the office and home office as a real possibility in the future.
This change harbors many problems and requires quick adaptability to a withdrawn everyday work routine at the kitchen table or, at best, in an office at home that has already been set up. While extroverts in particular were the big winners in everyday office life, it is the introverted employees who are benefiting from the restrictions of the pandemic and are literally thriving at home.
The Corona working world finally offers introverts the great opportunity to organize their everyday work in such a way that it suits their personality structure and way of working. But how exactly is the world of work changing as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and how can reticent people benefit from it? Why is it easier for introverts to succeed in the Corona home office? And is it really the case that extroverts are the losers in the pandemic? In the following, we want to get to the bottom of these questions, illuminate different perspectives and compare studies.
Introversion vs. extraversion: What do the terms even mean?
In order to be able to talk about winners and losers in the pandemic-plagued working world, the two camps – introverts and extraverts – must first come into focus.
As a pair of opposites , the terms ‘ introversion ‘ and ‘ extraversion ‘ describe stable personality traits that define people from the ground up. The Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology Carl Gustav Jung used these terms for the first time in his classification of personality types. Contrary to many sloppy definitions and everyday usage, ‘ introversion ‘ does not denote social phobia , shyness or misanthropy (hatred of people).
Rather, the basic difference lies in the origin of psychic energy, which is directed either outward (extraverted) or inward (introverted). Introversion and extraversion thus relate primarily to individual perception, human intuition, thinking and feeling. Unlike extraverts, introverts burn off their energy through social interaction. Introverts therefore usually need peace and quiet in order to recover and recharge their batteries. On the other hand, extraverts draw strength from a strong social life.
Psychologist and personality researcher Hans Jürgen Eysenck supplements this basis of CG Jung with the thought of a basic personality dimension: Introversion and extraversion are therefore not clearly separated poles, but are characterized by many gradations. The entire dimension is therefore more of a continuum from very introverted to very extraverted – with numerous intermediate steps. Eysenck is also researching the origin of the two personality types and postulates “that introverts need fewer external stimuli for their brain to reach a level of excitement at which they feel comfortable,” as Werner Stangl writes in the online dictionary for psychology and education .
According to Eysenck, the difference between introversion and extraversion goes back to the excitability of the cortical brain: extraverted people tend to lack internal stimuli, so that they need external stimulation. As a result, extraverts tend to be more sociable, risk-taking, and adventurous in order to maintain optimal cortical levels of arousal. In addition, extraverted people are usually considered to be more careless, thoughtless, dominant, impulsive, active and expressive. An introverted personality dimension is characterized by a quiet and rather calm nature, more reserve and introspection as well as a reserved, shy nature compared to extraverted structures.
The dimensions of extraversion-introversion are among the five most important personality traits, so they are part of the ‘Big Five’ that describe a personality and are therefore included in every personality test. Some personality tests (e.g. Myers-Briggs type indicator ) still use Jung’s bipolar, two-part model. Others, on the other hand, use Eysenck’s dimensions or personality continuum (Eysenck’s PEN model) or distinguish between different types of introversion.
For example, Doris Märtins’ 4-type model of intro-DNA: She differentiates between four different behavioral styles of introverts:
- (1.) Masterminds (M-Intros) are types of thinkers who steer in secret and often hold leadership positions.
- (2.) Supersensitives (S-Intros) have an extraordinarily high level of perception and a keen sense of aesthetics and people. At the same time, they are often easily irritable and thus have a rather tiring effect on those around them.
- (3.) Nerds (N-Intros) find it difficult to adjust to other people, but think logically and are excellent in their field.
- (4.) Cocooners (C-Intros) also dislike being in the social limelight and feel most comfortable in the presence of familiar people.
The numerous facets of introversion in Märtin’s intro DNA make it clear that not all introverts have the same personality traits and that many characteristics can be very productive for one’s own career and employer. Nevertheless, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of work was a world of extroverts.
The working world before the corona pandemic: Introverts are clearly at a disadvantage
Not only in everyday work but also in society as a whole, extroverts have always been the winners: the Western world is characterized by an ideal of extraversion, to which all institutions are also tailored. Whether it’s school, university, or the workplace: the ideal employee is considered to be sociable, willing to take risks, able to work under pressure, and, above all, have good communication skills. Especially the structures of open-plan offices, in which things are often noisy, hectic and confusing, hinder the performance of introverts, which means that extraverts – as is so often the case – are the center of attention.
As psychologist Howard Giles writes, people who speak quickly and loudly and often have the last word are generally considered to be more competent, likable, smarter, more attractive, and more interesting. Extroverts not only assert themselves in discussions among colleagues, but also often appear more active, competent, and productive to superiors.
In order to be able to cope as a ‘quiet person in everyday working life and to be just as successful as more extroverted personalities, introverts are inevitably pushed to adapt to the behavior of extroverts. Since introversion, according to Jung, is one of the stable personality traits and therefore cannot be changed or discarded, constant adaptation becomes a lifelong task. In the long run, this compulsion to adapt has a tiring effect on the body and mind – which in turn increases the susceptibility of introverts to diseases such as burnout: In the working world before Corona, as the Swiss psychologist, Dr. Sina Bardill writes, “[Characterized] by so many conditions unsuitable for intros that it has become difficult to navigate within one’s comfort zone.
For introverts, the pre-Corona working day was difficult and repeatedly required great effort to adapt to extrovert standards. But what exactly do ideal working conditions for introverts look like? And how do these ideal conditions become a great opportunity for ‘quiet people’ as a result of the corona pandemic?
Covid-19 as a great opportunity: How introverts suddenly become the winners in the corona world of work
The Covid19 pandemic and the associated restrictions are changing the world of work overnight: curfew, contact restrictions, and the obligation to work from home are shifting everyday life into your own four walls – and finally offering introverts the opportunity to work according to their needs. The percentage distribution of introverts and extraverts shows how important it is that the world of work adapts to the rhythm and demands of ‘quiet people’: 30 to 50 percent of people are characterized by the personality trait of introversion – making it one-third to one-half It is difficult for all working people to hold their own in a working world geared towards extroverts.
Quiet people like to work alone and at their own pace. In the quiet and undisturbed atmosphere, they can concentrate on their tasks and are not disturbed by chance encounters. The quiet, undisturbed working atmosphere ensures more creativity and productivity – and the best results. In the home office, introverts have the opportunity to fully develop their thoughts and ideas and then present them without pressure in the (digital) plenum.
Scheduled video meetings, which provide distance and thus less excitement through the screen, offer additional relief. This virtual distance also makes the application process or the first few weeks in a new company easier for introverts: for example, digital onboarding takes the pressure out of tricky situations at the beginning of a new job. Introverts who tend to practice social distancing in everyday life seem to get along better in the home office right from the start.
This thesis underpins a study by psychology professor Hannes Zacher, who conducts research at the University of Leipzig. Zacher examined the effects of the pandemic on the perception of stress, well-being, and the personality factors that influence this. In the long-term study, around 600 employees of all age groups between 16 and 70 years from all over Germany were surveyed from April to September 2020 – gender and occupational groups were roughly representatives of the German working population.
The result: extraverts were significantly more stressed during the first corona lockdown – introverts, on the other hand, experienced less stress due to their rather withdrawn nature in the first wave of the pandemic. Hannes Zacher says in an interview with the MDR: “It is usually the case that extraverted people who like to be around others and are very talkative have a higher level of well-being. But in the pandemic, that seems to have reversed and introverts tend to have the advantage.”
Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, bestselling author and one of the top coaches for introverts in the working world, also sees quiet people as clear winners in everyday work during the Corona crisis: Introverts radiate more calm from the ground up, which has proven and is particularly useful in times of crisis also prudent and conscientious – an essential basis when the whole world begins to falter. Introverts also think first and speak later: Thorough reflection on what others are saying and thinking always comes first before an introvert speaks up. The strength of introverts is above all the above-average depth, which is expressed in the form of thorough analyzes and in-depth discussions.
Four strategies for dealing with introverts in Corona everyday work
Dealing with and leading introverted employees is a difficult task for supervisors – whether before or during the Covid 19 pandemic.
( 1. ) As a manager, avoid constant – and unannounced – control calls and give introverted employees a lot of freedom so that they can remain calm and concentrate. So be patient and ideally contact your employee via Messenger or email. This way your introvert will not be distracted and can respond when it suits him.
( 2. ) Give introverts time and space in (video) meetings to express their opinions. Quiet people often think a little longer before presenting mature ideas to you.
( 3. ) You should also accept that not every one of your employees feels like small talk at digital team events or likes to talk about private things. This has nothing to do with arrogance or human detachment but is the nature of introverts who have less need for human closeness.
( 4. ) Also make sure to explicitly include introverted employees in discussions and to publicly communicate their achievements and successes in meetings, as they tend to hide their light under a bushel. For example, lighten the atmosphere at the beginning of a meeting with a simple ‘check-in’ question (‘What are you doing today?’) to lure quiet co-workers out of their shells without pressure. Here’s how your introverted workers will thrive remotely and enrich their team with creativity and productivity remotely.
The big but: Studies on general well-being put introverts at a disadvantage during Corona
However, the study by the psychologists at the University of Leipzig is also facing opposition from other scientists who see the corona situation as a deceptive paradise for introverts. Maryann Wie from the University of Wollongong in Australia, for example, has found evidence that introverts are often less able to deal with the loss of familiar structures and are therefore sometimes less able to cope with the change to the home office. In addition, quiet people tend to overthink problems, brood, and withdraw into themselves when difficulties arise instead of asking for help from superiors. Extraverts, on the other hand, are more positive – and optimistic – in their basic attitude right from the start and can also benefit from this in crisis situations.
Business psychologist Ingrid Gerstbach also sees the extraverts as winners of the pandemic, as they usually find it easier to get up and present their ideas – also in video meetings. This is where it becomes difficult for introverts to keep up, because: extroverted self-portrayals usually also dominate virtual conversations and are therefore perceived as particularly present since it is often not the performance but only the amount of speaking that counts in meetings.
For introverts, video meetings can quickly feel like a job interview because there are no side talks and a constant presence. In addition, the home office is also changing the beloved retreat of introverts: where your own home was previously a protected space to recharge your batteries and thus generate energy for everyday life again, the corona restrictions ensure that the whole family is now every day or shared accommodation and requires a high level of social interaction.
Nevertheless, the simplified division into the two poles of introversion and extraversion does not necessarily apply, because numerous other factors have to be taken into account when dealing subjectively with the Covid 19 pandemic. For example, the basic emotional attitude is important, which determines how risks and difficulties are dealt with: Is the glass half-full or half-empty?
A positive attitude helps to find something good even in difficult situations such as the global pandemic. Another advantage is a high degree of flexibility, which ensures that in the home office you can quickly get used to the new situation and not resist changes. A structured approach to working from home is essential in order to establish routines and structures in everyday life and thus reconcile everyday work and family life.
If you want to be successful in your home office, you also have to take the initiative and come up with new ideas and solutions. Ultimately, of course, the intrinsic motivation of every employee is also decisive: Anyone who sees meaning in what they do and receives appreciation and recognition can release their own energy to survive the change to working from home. Nevertheless, we will tell you how you as a manager can ensure that both introverts and extroverts get along better in the home office.
Introverts and extraverts in the home office – seven tips for everyday work on your own four walls
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an introvert or an extravert – with our seven tips and strategies for the working day in the home office, you will be able to cope perfectly with the change from the office to your own four walls. Above all, you should actively develop a strategy, like you
( 1. ) Balancing work and everyday life – keywords here are integration and segregation. It is important that you make sure that you have the opportunity to integrate your everyday life into your everyday work – for example, to support your children with homeschooling or to be able to attend doctor’s appointments. On the other hand, it is important that you keep reminding yourself of the necessary demarcation, of a good work-life balance. Especially in the home office, it can quickly happen that work and everyday life become more and more mixed up. There is a great danger here: Many workers find it increasingly difficult to switch off in the home office and thus endanger their physical and mental health.
Good ( 2. ) time management is also important: The working day should be as structured as possible in order to be able to work effectively at home and to achieve good results remotely without direct supervision.
Of course, the ( 3. ) working environment and the workplace within your own four walls must also be right. Ask your employer about a functional desk and an ergonomic office chair so that you can use these basics to create a healthy working environment in your home office. Noise-canceling headphones, a screen for relaxed work, and other gadgets also make everyday work easier for you away from everyday office life.
In order not to lose sight of the team within your own four walls, digital meetings should be scheduled regularly ( 4. ). You can either coordinate with individual employees or consult with the entire team. Do you have colleagues who are more introverted?
Be sure to consider their needs: give them space and shift day-to-day communication ( 5. ) to email or chat so as not to disturb introverts in their daily work.
Another important tip is ( 6. ) to establish fixed rituals for the working day in the home office: Be it a daily morning ritual with a delicious breakfast and morning gymnastics, regular breaks, a short walk during the lunch break, or the course of the digital sport after work – rituals take care of that more structure and consistency, but also perseverance in the home office.
( 7. ) Setting firm goals is also an important strategy when it comes to working effectively from home. Together with your team, you can set plans and goals for every day, a whole week, or a whole month. In this way, everyone remains motivated in the long term and has a goal in mind that is worth working for.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions are causing far-reaching changes in the world of work and everyday work. Both introverts and extroverts are faced with completely new challenges – and deal with them differently. While some studies suggest that extroverts are generally better able to deal with the restrictive restrictions, introverts in particular benefit from the upheavals in everyday work caused by corona, feel at home in the home office – away from the open-plan office – and really thrive.
At home, introverted employees can concentrate on their work in peace and without distraction, do not have to drain their batteries from constant social interaction, and thus have more energy for their tasks. In addition, quiet people can work at their own pace within their own four walls and – according to their strengths – familiarize themselves deeply with facts.
Nevertheless, the subjective handling of the corona restrictions is what counts above all: People who have a positive attitude, who can quickly adapt to new situations, and who can create structure and routine in the home office remain mentally healthy.
What is certain, however, is that ‘after Corona’, everyday working life will no longer be the same: A change in values is already clearly emerging and will ensure that the world of work adapts more to the needs of introverts. A day in the home office can make a big difference here and provide a little ‘breather’ for introverted employees: no personal meetings, no coffee chats – on the other hand, a lot of rest and the opportunity to organize every day work independently.
These small steps offer introverts more freedom and self-determination and promote their personal growth through self-organization. Society itself also seems to have been sensitized to the diverse personality structures of people by the pandemic and is thus setting in motion a social change that also affects the world of work and its standards.
Editorial Team
