Introverts want the boss to understand their plight

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. “Passion doesn’t have to look like ‘rah, rah!’" Bristol-Myers Squibb employees were giving managers pointers on how to tell whether their introverted staffers are excited about their work. After all, it can be hard to tell.

“For extroverts, that shows up as visible energy and vocal enthusiasm," Chief People Officer Amanda Poole recalls colleagues who represent the company’s “Valuably Quiet" program telling supervisors at one workshop. “For introverts, that might come through as really thoughtful questions and deeply considered ideas." Introverts, that misunderstood office species, are getting their time in the corporate spotlight. Just don’t look for too long.

The pandemic, with its shift to remote work, was a boon for these quiet employees. For several years they were blissfully free of loud colleagues and agonizing small talk. Now, back in extroverted open offices, they’re doing something rare: speaking up.

Introverts and their advocates are pushing workplaces to be more flexible and provide more resources. They’ve sometimes cribbed the language of corporate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, labeling introverts as an underrepresented group, flagging bias against introverts when hiring and promoting, and referring to extroverts who support introverts as allies. Companies are making more space for introverts, sometimes literally.

Bristol-Myers Squibb created a room where introverts can recharge. Its Valuably Quiet program, launched in 2021, also includes discussion panels and resource guides to help leaders and team members better understand introverts, who tend to shrink from public performance and get flustered when put on the spot. At KPMG’s new office, which opened this