You’d think quiet, introverted types would flourish working away from the office. But you’d be wrong.

In fact, the opposite is true, according to a recent story in Business Week. The article cites a psychological study claiming it’s the extroverts that truly thrive when working at home.

The reasoning: As HR knows, good communication, even friendly chit-chat is necessary for productivity. But it’s likely introverts will become too isolated if they no longer come into the office and see people face-to-face.

On the other hand, extroverts will go out of their way to talk to co-workers, no matter what methods they have to use.

Good candidates for telecommuting programs are also highly organized, the study says. Once removed from the organization of the office environment, its more important for employees to keep themselves together without the external push.

Tags: personality, telecommuting, working from home