Every month, new employees join Fanavaran, a process that naturally brings its own set of challenges as these individuals work to familiarize themselves with the organization’s culture and environment. To ease this transition and foster stronger interaction and collaboration among team members, Fanavaran introduced an innovative initiative called “Onboarding Games.”
A standard onboarding process typically involves welcoming new hires with an introductory letter, providing general information about the organization, outlining job responsibilities, sharing a brief history of the company, and clarifying policies, administrative procedures, workplace expectations, communication frameworks, and organizational systems. However, at Fanavaran, the concept of “Onboarding Games” represents a novel approach that complements traditional HR practices. This initiative was developed based on internal research and tailored to align with the company’s Employer Value Proposition (EVP).
These games were designed to create a friendly and informal atmosphere, enabling both new and existing employees to connect more easily and build meaningful relationships. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with new employees, in particular, using this opportunity to better understand their work environment and colleagues.
One of the key insights gained from these games was the identification of individuals who, by nature, tend to remain quiet in social situations or exhibit introverted tendencies. Such individuals may face internal challenges when initiating communication or participating in group activities, even in informal settings like interactive games. This observation revealed that not only some of the new employees but also seasoned staff preferred staying in the background and avoided actively engaging in discussions or group activities.
This insight provided the Branding and Communication department with an important opportunity to delve deeper into the challenges faced by these individuals and explore how they could be better supported within team-oriented and organizational processes. Recognizing the importance of creating a healthy environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to connect with others, several strategies and practical approaches were considered to help the company better understand these individuals and facilitate more effective interactions.
The goal is to identify methods—based on an understanding of the unique needs and traits of such individuals—that enable them to comfortably engage in team activities and make the most of their potential. By focusing on initiatives that encourage these individuals to participate actively in group meetings, team-based projects, or organizational social activities, we aim to strengthen collaboration and foster a healthier team spirit.
Who Are Introverts?
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitude and an avoidance of prolonged, loud social interactions. Introverts often feel drained and overstimulated in crowded or high-pressure environments. Their key traits include:
- Need for Solitude: Introverted individuals require time alone to recharge after spending long hours in noisy and crowded gatherings.
- Deep Thinking: They tend to process ideas more thoroughly and rely on analytical approaches to make decisions.
- Limited Social Circles: Their relationships are generally limited to a few trusted individuals with whom they feel comfortable.
- Quality Over Quantity: Rather than pursuing numerous superficial relationships, introverts prioritize building deep, meaningful connections with fewer people.
Who Are Shy Individuals?
Shyness refers to feelings of anxiety or discomfort in social situations. Shy individuals often struggle with self-expression when interacting with unfamiliar people or being in new environments. Their main characteristics include:
- Fear of Judgment: Shy individuals often have a heightened fear of being judged or criticized, worrying about how their words or actions may be perceived.
- Social Anxiety: In social settings, they may feel uneasy or even anxious, even if it is clear that others are not expressing negativity toward them.
- Low Self-Confidence: Due to their fear of social situations, shy individuals often have lower self-confidence, making it difficult for them to express themselves easily.
- Cautious in Communication: They tend to be extremely reserved and meticulous in their interactions, carefully choosing their words or activities.
Who Are Quiet Individuals?
Quiet individuals are those who prefer keeping their thoughts to themselves and engaging in minimal conversation across various social situations. Key traits include:
- Preference for Listening: Quiet individuals enjoy listening to others more than speaking for themselves. This makes them adept at understanding the perspectives of others.
- Avoiding the Spotlight: They prefer staying out of the spotlight and working in smaller groups or behind the scenes.
- Attention to Detail: As attentive observers, quiet individuals often pick up on subtle details and nuances in others’ behavior, building a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings.
- Disinterest in Prolonged Conversations: They avoid lengthy discussions, particularly when they feel such conversations lack clarity or a specific goal.
Challenges Faced by Introverted, Shy, and Quiet Individuals
Despite their strengths, introverts, shy individuals, and quiet participants often face distinct challenges in social and professional settings:
- Building Relationships: They may struggle to establish connections in new or dynamic social environments, which can lead to feelings of alienation.
- Expressing Emotions: Many find it difficult to share their emotions openly, which may limit their ability to connect meaningfully.
- Career Development: In workplaces where networking or group decision-making is highly valued, introverts may face obstacles when seeking advancement opportunities.
Practical Guidelines to Understand and Interact with Quiet, Introverted, and Shy Individuals
- Respect Their Privacy:
It is especially important to give these individuals the flexibility to attend social interactions without feeling pressured. Respecting their boundaries and preferences is essential. - Create a Safe Space for Expression:
Providing a judgment-free environment where shy or quiet individuals feel encouraged to express their views can help them open up and participate actively. - Encourage Meaningful Conversations:
Introverts often find small talk or superficial discussions exhausting. Engaging them in deeper, more meaningful conversations helps draw out their thoughts and perspectives. - Tailor Social Scenarios Thoughtfully:
Rather than inviting such individuals to large, noisy events, encourage participation in smaller, quieter group activities that feel less intimidating to them. - Allocate Suitable Roles and Responsibilities:
Assigning roles that align with their skills and interests ensures they feel confident and motivated to contribute positively to the team.
- Promote Growth Mindsets:
Encouraging the belief that effort can cultivate abilities creates space for individuals to overcome fears, take on challenges, and develop their skills actively. - Develop Trust:
Building trust and a supportive relationship reassures shy and quiet individuals, giving them the security needed to voice their opinions and actively participate in team settings. - Utilize Anonymous Feedback:
Introducing anonymous feedback channels—such as suggestion boxes or surveys—provides a safe method for silent team members to share their insights. A Harvard Business Review study indicated a 26% increase in employee contributions in organizations offering anonymous feedback mechanisms.
By understanding the unique strengths and challenges of such individuals, organizations like Fanavaran can create a more inclusive environment. Through tailored strategies, every team member—from the most extroverted to the quietest—can feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
