By Emily Fioravante, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE
As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are planning to bring their employees back to the office. It is important to remember, however, that the pandemic has changed the way we work and interact with one another. As a result, many companies are looking for ways to ensure that employees are comfortable returning to the office and are able to work effectively with their colleagues. One way to do this is through the use of personality tests.
Personality tests are assessments that help individuals understand their own personality traits and how they interact with others. They can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential areas for improvement. In the context of returning to the office, personality tests can be a valuable tool for companies looking to create a positive and productive work environment.
One of the most popular personality tests used in the workplace is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This test is based on the theories of psychologist Carl Jung, and it categorizes people into 16 personality types based on their preferences for how they interact with the world around them. The test can be used to help employees better understand themselves and their colleagues, and it can also help managers tailor their management style to better suit their team members’ needs.
Another common personality test used in the workplace is the Big Five personality traits test, which measures an individual’s level of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. This test can be helpful for employers to understand their employees’ work styles and preferences, and it can also be used to identify areas for professional development or coaching.
Here are some ways personality tests can help with the transition back to the office:
Understanding communication styles
One of the biggest challenges of returning to the office is getting used to interacting with colleagues face-to-face again. Personality tests can help employees understand their communication style and how they can communicate effectively with others. For example, if an employee tends to be more introverted, they may prefer to communicate through email or chat rather than in-person meetings. By understanding their communication style, employees can work more effectively with their colleagues and avoid misunderstandings.
Identifying stress triggers
The pandemic has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for many people. As a result, some employees may find it difficult to transition back to the office. Personality tests can help identify potential stress triggers and provide strategies for managing stress. For example, if an employee tends to be more anxious in social situations, they may benefit from practicing mindfulness techniques or taking regular breaks throughout the day.
Building better relationships
Personality tests can also help employees build better relationships with their colleagues. By understanding their own personality traits and how they interact with others, employees can be more mindful of their behavior and work to build stronger relationships. For example, if an employee tends to be more assertive, they may need to work on being more collaborative with their colleagues.
In all, personality tests are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They can be used as one tool, among many, to help employees transition back to the office.
Source: The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/briefing/personality-quiz.html