{"id":18536,"date":"2018-06-20T20:44:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-20T20:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/?p=18536"},"modified":"2018-06-20T20:44:24","modified_gmt":"2018-06-20T20:44:24","slug":"7-employee-perks-to-please-introverts-at-the-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/workplace-wellness\/7-employee-perks-to-please-introverts-at-the-office\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Employee Perks to Please Introverts at the Office"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you picture a successful employee, probably someone bursting with positivity, radiating energy, and engaging fellow coworkers comes to mind.<\/p>\n

However, extroverts aren\u2019t the only employees who can show great success in the workplace. Often overlooked due to their lack of self-promotion, introverts can actually bring a high level of creativity, aptitude, and cooperation to the table.<\/p>\n

We tend to believe that all the productivity comes from the group, when in fact, there really is a benefit to solitude and to being able to go off and focus and put your head down.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Unfortunately, most work environments aren\u2019t as welcoming to introverts as they could be. According to Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can\u2019t Stop Talking<\/i>, workplaces are increasingly set up for extroverts<\/a>, with open plans floor and little privacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe tend to believe that all the productivity comes from the group, when in fact, there really is a benefit to solitude and to being able to go off and focus and put your head down,\u201d said Cain.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ll lay out several ways you can foster a positive environment for introverts in your workplace. Not only will these employee perks help them thrive, but it will also benefit your company\u2019s productivity and results as a whole.<\/p>\n

1. Give the benefit of the doubt in interviews<\/h2>\n

It shouldn\u2019t come as too much of a surprise: in general, extroverts interview better.<\/p>\n

According to a study conducted by Rutgers and UCLA<\/a>, lively extroverts were more likely to impress in job interviews and overshadow their introverted peers to win the position.<\/p>\n

However, the study also found that introverts are more likely to listen to team members<\/strong> and collaborate<\/strong> with people better in the long-run.<\/p>\n

Is that to say you should never hire an extrovert for a position? Of course not. But if you find an introvert to be a little timider or reserved, don\u2019t necessarily make that a strike against them in the interview process.<\/p>\n

2. Offer massages at the office<\/h2>\n

Massage is an incredibly popular employee perk and one that just about anyone can get behind. Calm music, low lights, a quiet space \u2014 these are all ingredients for a tranquil environment that will help introverts unwind and relax.<\/p>\n

help your employees with neck and back pains as well as tension headaches<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Studies have also shown that massages help reduce anxiety and cortisol levels in the body<\/a>, helping your team to become more socially receptive and productive. If you\u2019re looking to bring a massage therapist on site, chair massages are a 10-2o minute fully-clothed massages<\/a> and can help your employees with neck and back pains as well as tension headaches.<\/p>\n

\"Get<\/a><\/p>\n

With Zeel you can get on-demand massages in 85+ cities — the perfect addition to your corporate wellness program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Allow headphones<\/h2>\n

As Cain shared in her TED Talk<\/a>, introverts \u201cfeel at their most alive and their most switched-on and their most capable when they\u2019re in quieter, more low-key environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Introverts can quickly feel overwhelmed by outward stimulation<\/strong>. Groups of people talking, sounds of activity or other events going on around them could deeply distract them from completing meaningful work.<\/p>\n

Although some managers may take offense to an employee putting on headphones and tuning out of the group dynamic, it\u2019s a simple employee perk that helps introverts get more done.<\/p>\n

Another way you can prevent breaking their concentration: send them a Slack or email to talk about something instead of tapping them on the shoulder and cutting off their flow of thoughts.<\/p>\n

4. Give the option to work remotely<\/h2>\n

Remote work is a popular employee perk all around! If your introverted employees feel overwhelmed by a large, bustling office space, allowing remote work from time to time could make a huge difference.<\/p>\n

Having a day of quiet to focus on their work will do both you and the company a world of wonders. And with modern communication tools like Slack and Zoom, it still won\u2019t be hard to keep in touch, either.<\/p>\n

5. Plan low-key team bonding activities<\/h2>\n

Not everyone is built for crazy nights on the town in large group settings. Introverts still want to bond and make friendships, but usually in a more laid-back way. A few ideas for team bonding activities for introverts include:<\/p>\n