Should Temperament Be a Protected Characteristic?

Have you ever felt like the world wasn’t quite built for you? Maybe you’ve been told to “speak up” in meetings or to “come out of your shell,” as if the way you naturally engage with the world is something to fix. Maybe you’ve felt overlooked—not because of what you can do, but simply because of how you show up.

For quieter people—those who are introverted, highly sensitive, or socially anxious—these experiences are common. Society tends to favour those who are bold, quick to speak, and outwardly confident. Meanwhile, those of us who are more reflective, slow to warm up, or prefer a quieter approach can be misunderstood, undervalued, or even excluded.

But what if temperament—the way we are wired to interact with the world—was recognised and respected in the same way as other aspects of our identity? Could it be that temperament, like age, disability, or gender, deserves some level of protection?

What is Temperament, and Why Does it Matter?

Temperament refers to our natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. It shapes how we respond to the world around us—whether we recharge in solitude or seek energy from others, whether we process thoughts internally or externally, whether we approach new situations cautiously or with enthusiasm.

It’s not something we choose. Research shows that temperament is largely shaped by biology and early experiences, meaning it’s as much a part of us as our height or eye colour. Yet, despite being an innate part of who we are, society often rewards one way of being over another.

In workplaces, louder voices are often mistaken for leadership, while quieter people are overlooked—even when they have the skills and insight to contribute meaningfully.

In schools, participation grades and group work can favour those who think and speak quickly, leaving deep thinkers feeling as though their way of engaging isn’t enough.

Even in social settings, introversion and sensitivity can be met with phrases like, “Why are you so quiet?” or “You need to put yourself out there more.” These messages, often unintended, can leave quieter people feeling like they are less than or wrong simply for being themselves.

But if temperament is as much a part of us as other protected characteristics, should it be recognised in the same way?

What Makes Something Worth Protecting?

Under the Equality Act 2010, certain characteristics—like age, race, disability, sex, and religion—are protected to prevent unfair treatment. But these protections weren’t always in place.

For example, age discrimination in the workplace was once common, with older employees being dismissed or passed over for promotions simply because of their age. Over time, society recognised that this wasn’t just unfair—it was a loss of valuable experience and wisdom. Laws were introduced to protect people from being treated unfairly because of something they couldn’t change.

Similarly, disability rights advocacy led to workplace adjustments, accessibility improvements, and legal protections—not to give disabled people an advantage, but to ensure they had the same opportunities as everyone else. These shifts didn’t happen overnight. They came from recognising that systemic biases existed, and that they were holding people back.

So, what about temperament? Could recognising it as a protected characteristic help prevent the biases that make quieter people feel they must change to fit in?

Beyond Protection: Designing for Inclusion

Even without legal protection, workplaces, schools, and social spaces have the power to become more inclusive simply by recognising and accommodating different ways of engaging.

• Workplaces might rethink what makes a great leader—valuing quiet confidence and reflective decision-making just as much as charisma and outspokenness. Meetings could be designed to allow different styles of communication, ensuring that thoughtful voices aren’t drowned out.

• Schools might offer more balanced ways for students to engage, recognising that not everyone thrives in high-energy group discussions. Alternative forms of participation—like written reflections or one-on-one conversations—could create a fairer learning environment.

• Social expectations could shift, making space for different ways of connecting. Instead of assuming that everyone will naturally socialise and express themselves in similar ways, we could embrace a wider spectrum of interaction styles.

• Environment design could play a key role in inclusion. In workplaces, this might look like offering quiet spaces for focused work or small-group settings for collaboration. In social settings, events could be designed with varied formats—allowing for both gentle one-on-one conversations and larger, high-energy interactions.

Would these changes require legal protection? Maybe. Maybe not. But at the very least, they require awareness—an understanding that the way people naturally engage with the world isn’t something to “fix” or “overcome,” but something to be valued.

A Shift in Perspective

Perhaps the real question isn’t whether temperament should be a protected characteristic. Perhaps it’s about whether we can begin to recognise the quiet strengths that have always been there—waiting to be seen.

What if workplaces, schools, and communities were designed with a broader understanding of human nature? What if we moved beyond the assumption that louder is better? What if we created a world where different ways of engaging weren’t just included, but understood and appreciated?

Maybe the first step isn’t a change in the law. Maybe it’s recognising temperament as a fundamental part of identity—one that deserves the same respect, protection, and inclusion as any other? This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about unlocking the full potential of every person—imagine the world we could create!

What are your thoughts? Let’s start the conversation today…