If you know me, you know I’m quite the talker. I get energized by being around people, whether it’s close friends or new connections waiting to be made. In other words, I’m an extrovert through and through. 

So, when I stepped into a fully remote role back in August 2025, I was excited, but also uncertain and, a tad bit fearful, of how I would respond to full-time remote work.  

What I didn’t expect was how quickly the lack of day-to-day, in-person connection would impact my sense of belonging and motivation. Despite team chats filled with gifs and emojis, monthly lunches, and conferences, I still found myself missing something: real-time connection, casual conversations, and the feeling of being embedded in a team. 

For a while, I didn’t say anything; I worried about how it might come across – ungrateful, demanding, or like I wasn’t a good fit. So, I stayed quiet, even as the feeling of disconnection grew. Eventually, I realized something important: connection at work isn’t just something I enjoy – it’s something I need to feel engaged and motivated. 

With some encouragement, I finally shared my struggles during my 90-day review and was met with nothing but compassion, understanding, and genuine support. That conversation led to more intentional in-person time and stronger touchpoints with my team. It didn’t change everything overnight, but it made a meaningful difference and continues to do so. 

Nonetheless, this experience got me thinking:  If this is how I felt, how many other extroverts in remote roles are feeling the same way? And how can leaders be aware and start to change their remote working environments to support all employees, especially those who need a little extra people time?  

Leaders… 

As we know, extroverts often draw energy from interaction, collaboration, and spontaneous connection – things that don’t always happen naturally in a remote environment. And the reality is, many employees won’t voice this struggle on their own. 

A few simple, intentional shifts can make a big difference in your workplace: 

Make Connection Part of the Workday. 

Regular check-ins, informal team time, and small moments of conversation help recreate what happens naturally in an office. These small touchpoints can go a long way in building connection over time and helping everyone feel connected.  

Create Space for Honest Conversations. 

It’s difficult for people to raise their hand and say they’re struggling with loneliness and isolation. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing how they’re really feeling (and how they work best) makes those conversations happen sooner, and a lot more naturally, before challenges begin to arise.  

Build Collaboration into the Workflow 

Extroverts often think out loud and thrive on bouncing ideas off others. Creating opportunities for brainstorming, co-working sessions, or collaborative problem-solving helps bring that energy into a remote setting and creates strong environments for collaboration and learning.  

Look Beyond Output 

Someone can be meeting deadlines and performing well while still feeling disconnected. Taking time to check in on how employees are feeling, not just what they’re delivering, can help uncover gaps in engagement and belonging. 

Offer Flexibility within Flexibility Where You Can 

Where possible, hybrid moments or intentional in-person time can go a long way. If you are fully remote, like my team, then go the extra mile to prioritize those monthly lunches and in-person meet ups – do your best not to miss them and continue to explore where you can have more face-to-face time, even if only for a short time.  

What I’ve Learned… 

For us extroverts in these environments, there are also things within our control, and here’s what’s made the biggest difference for me: 

Say Something (Even if it Feels Uncomfortable). 

I spent weeks convincing myself not to, but when I finally did, I was met with nothing but grace. That conversation built a strong sense of trust in my team; I could see they genuinely cared about my personal and professional needs and wanted to support me which, consequently, created a level of comfort, openness, and vulnerability that made me feel like an invaluable member.   

Be Intentional About Connection. 

If it’s not happening naturally, create it – send the message, suggest the in-person lunch, walk, or coffee chat, and ask the extra questions. Also, take the flexibility that often comes with working remotely as an opportunity to get involved in your community. For me, that looks like coaching basketball, volunteering in my church, getting out for walks and Pilates classes during the day, and spending quality time with friends and family. Find what it looks like for you! 

Focus on What’s Going Well. 

Gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges sometimes, but focusing on all the things you love about your job, team, and life can take an exponential weight off your shoulders in times of loneliness or isolation while working remotely.  

 

Although some may thrive in remote environments, for extroverts it often requires more intention, communication, and creativity – all of which me and my team are continuing to figure out together with each passing day. One thing I know for sure is that, when we’re honest about what we need, it creates space for stronger connections and better work – for everyone. 

 

Rheannon Richards is the HR Coordinator at uptreeHR, an outsourced Human Resource department for small to medium-sized businesses. Rheannon and the team are based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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