Personality types and flexible working: finding your ideal work style

The better an individual's personality and traits align with their career, the more likely they are to work productively and have higher job satisfaction.

Why are personality types important?

The big 5 personality traits

Psychologists often use the big 5 personality traits to describe an individual's personality. These traits include:

1. Openness: People who are high in openness tend to be imaginative, curious, and open to new experiences. They may enjoy the novelty and freedom of flexible working arrangements.

2. Conscientiousness: Highly conscientious individuals are organised, disciplined, and detail-oriented. They may appreciate the structure and routine of a traditional office environment but can also thrive in flexible working situations by creating their own schedules and routines.

3. Extraversion: Extraverts are outgoing, sociable, and energised by social interaction. They may find remote work challenging if they don't have regular opportunities to connect with colleagues.

4. Agreeableness: Agreeable individuals are cooperative, empathetic, and tend to prioritise harmony in their relationships. They may enjoy the collaborative aspects of flexible working but may struggle with setting boundaries and saying no to requests.

Flexible working strategies for different personality types

Making the most of your flexible working setup can be challenging, especially when trying to align it with your personality type. Consider the following strategies to help you work in a way that suits your personality and unique traits and preferences.

Openness

• Embrace the opportunity to work in different environments, such as coffee shops, co-working spaces, or outdoor areas.
• Set aside time for creative pursuits and brainstorming sessions.
• Seek out new experiences and learning opportunities to keep your work fresh and engaging.

Conscientiousness

• Create a structured daily routine and stick to it, even when working remotely.
• Set clear goals and deadlines for yourself and communicate them to your team.
• Have a dedicated workspace that helps you maintain focus and separates work from personal life.
  

Extraversion

• Schedule regular video calls or in-person meetings with colleagues to maintain social connections.
• Join virtual communities or networking groups related to your industry.
• Consider working from co-working spaces or coffee shops to satisfy your need for social interaction.
  

Agreeableness

• Set clear boundaries and communicate your availability to colleagues to avoid overextending yourself.
• Practice assertiveness and learn to say no when necessary to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Find collaborative projects that allow you to work closely with others while maintaining flexibility.

Neuroticism

• Establish a consistent routine and structure to your workday to reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
• Communicate regularly with your manager and colleagues to ensure you feel supported and connected.
• Practice stress-management techniques, such as mindfulness or exercise, to maintain emotional well-being.

Share your working style with your team

Communicating your personality type when working remotely is crucial for building strong relationships and helping with collaboration with your team. Understanding and sharing your working style, preferences, and strengths can help your colleagues know how best to interact with you. For instance, if you're an introvert, you might prefer written communication and scheduled meetings, whereas extroverts might thrive on spontaneous video calls and team discussions. Being open about your personality type can also assist in setting boundaries, ensuring that your work environment is conducive to productivity and well-being. By proactively communicating your needs and understanding others', you can create a more harmonious and efficient remote working experience for everyone involved.

Embrace your working style

While understanding your personality type can help you figure out your ideal working style, it's crucial to recognise that everyone is unique. Some people may find that they have traits from multiple personality types, while others may not feel like they fit neatly into any one category.

The key is to experiment with different flexible working strategies and find what works best for you as an individual. Some people may thrive in a fully remote environment, while others may prefer a hybrid model that combines remote work with occasional office visits. Some may find that they work best in the morning, while others may be more productive in the evening.