Being an introvert in the workplace is not without its challenges — we are often mistaken for being shy or aloof, we find office small talk tiring [1], and we have to convince our colleagues that yes, we really are perfectly content sitting alone at lunchtime.

As a result, introverts work hard to establish boundaries and set up coping mechanisms so they can thrive in work environments [2]. It's not that being an introvert is isolating, it's that our current working culture — particularly in a world of open-plan offices — doesn't always recognise the needs or indeed the strengths of the introverted worker.

But attitudes are changing for the better, and employers are beginning to embrace the positive contributions that introverts can bring to the workplace dynamic. If you identify as an introvert, then the time has come for you to celebrate your value (discreetly, of course). Keep reading for all the reasons your introversion should be considered a benefit in the workplace.

You Can Work Independently

You don't shy away from teamwork, but you are equally happy working alone. This is a sweet relief for your boss because they won't need to micromanage you. You should also take it as a huge compliment when the people you work with are confident enough in your abilities to set you a task and let you run with it.

Silence Is Golden, Speech Is Silver

Being a good listener means introverts are able to separate the wheat (meeting agendas, names of clients, locations of documents) from the chaff (office gossip). You can filter the information you need and supply the information your colleagues sometimes forget.

You Speak When You Have Something to Say

Introverts are often mistaken for being shy, and while that's true for some, for others, it's just a case of absorbing and observing what is happening around us. Introverts are deep thinkers, so when you do speak, you are articulate and concise because you have been mulling over what you want to say before saying it out loud. Don't be goaded or rushed into speaking; what you do have to contribute will be worth the wait.

Your Secret Power Is Your Social Intuition

Being an excellent communicator isn't just about having a great telephone manner or being able to write well; knowing how to check in with a new member of the team or spotting when a colleague is not their usual self is equally important. The fact that you are so aware of how overwhelming social encounters can be and your preference for intimate interactions means you know how to conduct interesting conversation and make others feel comfortable. It's a strength that serves you well when it comes to networking because you can cut through traditional chitchat (which is a relief for the person you are speaking to!), but it's also what makes you an ally amongst your colleagues because you harness empathy.

You Have a Strong and Stable Presence

Your notoriously quiet nature gives off a calm, assured energy, which is vital in order to balance out the buzz created by the extroverts in the room. It also means you are able to keep a clear head when unforeseen issues rise up.

You Think Outside of the Box

My background is in performance, and while the stereotype of an artist is that of an overly extroverted extrovert, in reality, a great deal of creatives are introverts [3]. Some of your best ideas might come during quiet periods of reflection, when you have the freedom to consider different perspectives and experiment with creativity and logic. So don't think there's something wrong with you if you're not brimming with ideas in the heat of the moment. The creative process is just that — a process — so trust that yours is working.

You're a Good Presenter. No, Really.

Your introverted nature doesn't mean you can't handle presentations, it just means you might prefer to handle them in small doses and with a bit more time to prepare. You might worry that your presenting style isn't as big as some of your more extroverted colleagues, but have no fear, your natural, candid style of delivery makes you accessible to the people you are presenting to, and it also keeps the focus on the content of the presentation. Just make sure to take care of yourself afterwards, as presentations can be draining even for the most extroverted of workers.

You're a Strong Leader

In "The Power of Introverts," [4] a TED Talk given by Susan Cain, she discusses how culturally we have been conditioned to recognise extroverts as leaders. However, introverts can actually achieve better outcomes when they take the lead. One of the reasons is that introverts are better at identifying when and how to let individuals run with ideas and rein them in, whereas extroverts can sometimes overshadow the process.