The Working World from a Highly Sensitive Person's Perspective
- Editorial Team
- Nov 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
They say our fast-paced world needs highly sensitive people, or HSPs as they are often called. But what about their role in the workplace? Can people with this complex, deeply empathetic mind add value here too? Or are they just too sensitive? Dr. Candan Aydemir-Tam, healthcare psychologist, provides valuable insights.
Dr. Aydemir-Tam, how does a highly sensitive person experience the world of work?
Due to a hypersensitivity to stimuli, HSPs can be highly receptive to noises, lights or smells. They can experience a workplace or their workload as overwhelming, and feel more overstimulated than a non-sensitive person might. All of this may lead to fatigue.
So, HSPs usually need more quiet moments to recover and recharge themselves. Certain every-day situations at work may lead to feelings of being overburdened. For example, HSPs generally find it difficult to express their overwhelm or set boundaries for themselves, and feel that there are too many tasks or responsibilities for them to handle properly.
What work aspects that we don't think about can be challenging for highly sensitive people?
Take the journey to work. Highly sensitive people can be sensitive to crowded and noisy environments, such as those on trains – especially when overcrowded – or traffic jams. These stimuli during the commute can be experienced as intense, which may leave them in need of extra recovery time upon arrival at work.
HSPs feel a need for diligence, and generally have high levels of conscientiousness and thoroughness. And because HSPs tend to process information in depth, they may need some time to read emails or to complete certain tasks. They set high standards for themselves, so tight deadlines can put extra pressure on them.
When it comes to work reviews, feedback can have a profound effect on highly sensitive people; both positive and negative. They can often take feedback very personally and may find it an emotional challenge.
HSPs also generally have a innate need to stay motivated, and work well with the kind of work or tasks that are meaningful to them and in line with their values.
How is this connected to their collaboration with others?
For most people, working with people in a room who can see them might be a normal, every-day occurrence. But, HSPs can be aware of the presence and judgments of others. Even if they are in another room. The way the brain of a highly sensitive person is wired means they often eperience a feeling of being watched.
HSPs also often have a highly-developed intuition and are highly empathetic. This means they are able to pick up subtle signals from others: they are sensitive to another person's emotional energy and the moods and emotions of colleagues. They may be accutely aware of subtle nuances in tone of voice during phone conversations.
During (online) group meetings, HSPs are processing multiple conversations and voices at the same time! They may be sensitive to non-verbal cues and subtle dynamics in the group.
"HSPs often have a highly-developed intuition and are highly empathetic. This means they are able to pick up subtle signals from others."
Are highly sensitive persons just too sensitive for the workplace?
That depends on your perspective! For example. As a manager, it pays to take a step back from their own agenda and see the power of an HSP among the workforce unfolding. Managers may also be open to finding a middle ground with the HSP employee. Openness of the employer and of colleagues is very important: to want to understand the HSP.
Does a HSP colleague request to start and leave earlier in order to avoid rush hour? A manager may choose to facilitate this and ensure that no one will begrudge them this. Such leaders can actually keep all of this under control by communicating with all colleagues, including non-HSPs. To discuss all the available options and opportunities, such as a flexible schedules.
"As a manager, it pays to take a step back from your own agenda and see the power of an HSP among the workforce unfolding."
Moving forward, they say that today's world needs highly sensitive people. What about the workplace?
Absolutely, highly sensitive people bring unique qualities and valuable contributions to the work environment. For example, thanks to their ability to notice subtle details and nuances, they can come up with creative solutions and innovative ideas.
Their need for thoroughness and accuracy has granted them an eye for detail. Also, HSPs have a preference to work in a way that is conscientious. This means they can contribute to the quality and precision of the work that is delivered.
Their strong intuitive skills can positively affect any decision-making. It enables them to quickly understand situations and information. It empowers them to make well-considered decisions.
HSPs can be experts in detecting small nuances in a face, so they can take into account what another person needs. Their high levels of empathy, and ability to better understand the needs and emotions of others, allow them to have a positive effect on team dynamics.
They can even play a supporting role in a team and having an HSP can help with group bonding. As good listeners they can contribute to positive team dynamics. An HSP is someone who able to find focus in a chaotic meeting and can help create order.
All in all, a HSP colleague or worker can be seen as a spider in the web. Among many other things, they can ensure team bonding and that is a super power!
"All in all, a HSP colleague or worker can be seen as a spider in the web. Among many other things, they can ensure team bonding and that is a super power!"
About our interviewee
Candan Aydemir-Tam is an independent healthcare psychologist and coordinating director from the Netherlands. She previously worked with Specialisten Net, a Dutch network providing organisational psychological support and coaching to assist clients in their careers and identify areas for improvement.
Highly Sensitive People (HSP): A unique experience of the world
How do Highly Sensitive People (HSP) experience the world? Researchers who have studied the brains and nervous systems of individuals with this trait have discovered that their perspective is truly unique. HSPs experience the world with remarkable intensity, often finding it overwhelming. Every aspect of life impacts them more deeply, requiring them to take time and space alone to process their experiences.
They may for example, take a lot of time to make a decision, as they can see all the aspects of an issue and need time to evaluate it all. They may be acutely aware of the ground that they walk on, or of the way the light falls into a room. But also of how their clothes feel when they wear them, or how an animal feels.
It was Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung who discovered an innate sensitiveness in some people. There has been a lot of research into this kind of ultra-sensitive brain since.
Dr. Elaine Aron and Dr. Arthur Aron, a renowned psychology team known for their research on love, relationships, and the "highly sensitive person" trait, coined the term HSP. According to the Arons, around 20% of the population has this trait. Their Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has shown that brains of highly sensitive to respond more powerfully to emotional images.
Today, HSPs have a reputation related to their awareness and emotional awareness. Dr Elaine Aron wrote about the positive experiences and empathy that HSPs such as herself can benefit from.
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