With searches for ‘working from home remotely’ increased by +231%1 over the past year, it is clear that the ability to work from home is a massive plus for most people. But how do different employees prefer to work and in what environment would an introvert vs. an extrovert thrive? To find out, Ebuyer has teamed up with Meyers-Briggs practitioner Shauna Skinner to take a look at what kind of workspace works best for different personalities and what elements a home office or a traditional office should include so that workers can feel at ease.
Extroverts
Overall, extroverts are, compared to introverts, more outgoing and need to be able to connect with people to be stimulated. An office shared with colleagues or a home office with plenty of stimuli to stay motivated is perfect for them.
Desk space
A large desk with options to keep active is ideal for extroverts. They may prefer sitting on a gym ball or using a walking treadmill under the desk to keep moving. A standing desk is also a great option for extroverts to be active while also getting stuck in at work. The desk should be big and with an abstract and colorful design. It can look a bit messy, but pen holders and traditional office organization tools will be on hand to help if the need for organization kicks in.
Ambience
Mixed vibrant colors and inspirational quotes will make extroverts feel comfortable. Keeping the space a fun environment with other people around is ideal. They’ll need regular get-togethers with other members of the team, such as team lunches and lounging areas where people come together to enjoy a chat.
Lighting and sound
Modern lights or even light effects will set the right mood. Extroverts like being stimulated by listening to upbeat music through loudspeakers, like pop, rock or bossa nova. Even turning a TV on can be an option.
Visuals and decorations
Interactive features like whiteboards or maps help extroverts visualize their work. Playful decorations with games and toys should be part of the workspace decoration.
Companionship
Extroverts enjoy having lots of people around them to chat with and attention-seeking pets, such as a big dog that keeps them engaged and entertained.
Introverts
Introverts generally require a quieter, more personal space, and more minimalistic designs. With this in mind, working from home can be a better option for some to avoid the hustle and bustle of an office.
Desk space
The desk space for introverts should be a calm space with minimal distractions. Some prefer a creative, cozy space or space for personal items, such as books or prints hung up on the walls.
Ambience
Overall, Introverts prefer a minimal, clean ambience with some needing smaller gadgets for entertainment. They appreciate having a separate personal space to relax and unwind with plants for a balanced feel. To create the separated space they can use room dividing elements and kit the space out with bean bags and egg chairs to read in, so they can recharge during breaks.
Lighting and sound
Introverts enjoy a quieter space with either total silence or just light background noises. The option to have the relaxing sounds of a water fountain or natural white noise helps them concentrate. If music is playing then they are more likely to enjoy classical pieces or light jazz in the background.
Visuals and decorations
Introverts will benefit from pinboards for documents to keep the space clutter-free and plenty of plants to create a zen ambience. The room will be kitted out with minimalistic pictures, including calming colors and shapes, such as blue and green tones.
Companionship
Introverts enjoy the company of a small pet that doesn’t need much attention and is calm and quiet, such as a cat or an exotic iguana. Ideally, they’ll have a space to themselves and the option to keep away from colleagues.
Introverts vs extroverts is only a fraction of the well-known MBTI personality index. In fact, the Myers-Briggs personality test takes into account much more than just those two personality types, click here to see all the different office setups, including visualizations of them.