Introverts need time to process their thoughts, and this remains true even in remote work settings where communication happens online.
I have been a content writer, blogger, book reviewer, and beta reader for more than 10 years. As an introvert at heart, I’ve found that many people assume I’ve discovered my paradise working from home.
While it’s true that remote work has its perks, there are still many misconceptions about working with introverts online. One common misunderstanding is that every type of online work is perfectly suited for introverts. Similarly, clients and employers might assume that all introverts are comfortable with any kind of online interaction.
This simply isn’t true. We introverts can also experience significant stress when working online. Many online activities are challenging for us, which is why I want to share some of the things I wish others understood about collaborating with introverts in a remote work environment.
Best Practices for Working With Introverts Remotely
1. Introverts may be more comfortable with email than online chat.
It’s not that I can’t communicate with clients through chat — I understand how valuable real-time conversations can be, especially when you need to quickly clarify issues.
However, when it’s not absolutely necessary, introverts may prefer email communication over chat. This is because chatting is quite similar to talking, and extended periods of talking can be draining for us.
When we chat, we’re in “alert mode” the entire time. We may feel pressured to respond immediately and provide our thoughts as soon as you ask a question.
But introverts need time to gather and process our thoughts. We prefer to filter what we say so we can give you the clearest and most logical response possible.
That’s why email works so well for us — it allows us to take our time, organize our ideas, and present them in the clearest way possible. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you receive a well-thought-out reply.
2. They may prefer texting over video communication.
This ties into the previous point. While I strongly prefer email over online chat, I’d also choose text messaging over video calls, such as Zoom.
There’s something about video chats that feels very similar to face-to-face communication. While text chatting can put me on “alert mode,” video chatting shifts me into “hyper-alert mode.”
Introverts may feel self-conscious during video calls. It’s not easy to have someone watching your face, interpreting your facial expressions, and analyzing your tone of voice — all at the same time.
This is because we don’t want to be misunderstood. Unlike extroverts, prolonged communication can be especially draining for us. When that happens, it’s not that we’ve lost interest in the conversation — we’ve simply reached the point where we need some alone time to recharge.
3. They may prefer working on a per-project basis rather than being monitored every hour.
It’s not easy to focus when someone is observing your work every hour. Instead of concentrating on how I can best accomplish my tasks, I might find myself distracted, worrying about whether I’m meeting your expectations minute by minute.
Please provide introverts with sufficient time and space to work at our own pace. We tend to do our best work when we’re alone — this is when we’re faster, more creative, and more focused.
That doesn’t mean introverts can’t work in a team. We simply need enough time to work independently while ensuring our efforts contribute to the team’s success. We’re also happy to engage with others, gather feedback, and share our progress or output when the time comes.
4. Please don’t call during non-work hours.
Introverts are professionals who understand that unexpected issues can arise. However, if after-hours phone calls happen frequently, it can take a toll on our productivity and well-being.
Whenever possible, we request that clients schedule their calls and meetings during working hours. Receiving a call after hours often gives the impression of an emergency. The adrenaline rush of responding in the moment is soon followed by an energy drain, leaving us needing extra time to rest and recharge.
Respecting work boundaries helps introverts maintain their focus, energy, and productivity in the long term.
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5. Don’t give us unplanned tasks, as planning is in our DNA.
Introverts have the capacity to help in situations that truly require urgent attention. However, please don’t make it a routine to ask us to complete tasks at the last minute.
Rushing our work makes us more vulnerable to mistakes. It can also disrupt other planned tasks and reduce the overall productivity of a project.
So, please schedule tasks properly to ensure we can accomplish them to the best of our ability.
6. Don’t be stingy with compliments — they help inspire better work.
There’s nothing like a kind comment to inspire someone to do their best. Sometimes, even a short compliment can make someone’s day.
Introverts tend to put a lot of thought into their work, and we truly appreciate it when you recognize the effort we’ve put in.
That said, we’re not always great at handling criticism. So, if you need to provide “pointers,” please make sure to include some positive feedback as well.
7. Don’t be rude — words typed online can easily be misconstrued.
Being online doesn’t mean your words won’t impact others. Potentially harsh remarks can still hurt, even in digital communication.
Please avoid being rude or saying anything that degrades another person’s dignity. Respect is a key factor in building strong relationships.
While criticism can’t always be avoided, make sure it’s constructive. Keep in mind that the tone of your message might not come across in writing the way it would in person.
Your words carry power and influence, even when you’re communicating online.
8. Plan your online meetings well to avoid wasting anyone’s time.
A meeting should always have a clear agenda. It should be held to address important issues that require people’s input and expertise.
However, online meetings sometimes drift away from the intended topic. When this happens, both time and energy are wasted. The effort that could have been spent on actual work is instead spent on unrelated discussions — something that can be especially frustrating for introverts.
Meetings can also quickly drain our energy. We take them seriously and view them as necessary for discussing matters that are best addressed via phone or video.
Since introverts don’t enjoy small talk or off-topic conversations, we appreciate it when meetings stick to the agenda. It helps us stay focused and engaged while respecting everyone’s time. 
