How Can I Help Highly Sensitive Persons in the Workplace?
Ensuring employees reach their potential is the goal for many businesses around the world.
But, employers shouldn’t expect every person to act and work in the same way. Each person is unique and requires different assistance to best succeed.
If you’re wondering how you can help your highly sensitive staff, we hope these suggestions will help.
What is High Sensitivity? What Makes a Person Highly Sensitive?
Many people may hear “high sensitivity” and equate it with highly strung, but there’s much more to the trait than meets the eye.
In science, it can be referred to as “sensory processing sensitivity.” High sensitivity is an often-misunderstood natural, neutral trait which affects approximately 15 to 20% of the human population and is found in over 100 animal species as well.
Those affected by sensory processing sensitivity are born with it. Noted specialist Dr. Elaine Aron describes the trait as demonstrating elements of D.O.E.S. – possessing an unusual depth of processing (D) and being easily overstimulated (O), emotionally reactive (E) and sensitive to subtle stimuli (S).
On a more personal level, those with sensory processing sensitivity are often described as empathetic. They may be detail-oriented, emotional and quiet.
The idea of an innate sensitiveness was first described by famed psychiatrist and psychotherapist C.G. Jung in 1913. Jung noticed that some patients displayed a natural sensitivity. He suggested that their childhood would affect how they processed events later on as adults.
Today, those with sensory processing sensitivity are recognized as highly sensitive persons or HSPs.
Additionally:
Sensory processing sensitivity is not a disorder. It’s not the same as sensory processing disorder, where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to sensory input.
HSPs are generally quick to notice subtle changes. They’re very conscientious, thoughtful of others’ needs and intuitive to the feelings of those around them.
Highly sensitive people are often averse to violent entertainment. You probably won’t be talking Game of Thrones with an HSP at the water cooler.
Though roughly 30% of HSPs are extroverts, most are introverts. They often need to take time for themselves to recuperate during busy, overwhelming situations.
How Can I Help Highly Sensitive Persons in the Workplace?
Consider Their Skillset
As a rule employees are most successful when their skillset is not only valued but actively put to best use. This proves particularly true with HSP employees.
People with sensory processing sensitivity often make for dedicated team players. They pay great attention to small details and take care to make sure others feel comfortable. Utilizing the assets that sensitivity can bring is not only a shrewd move but a considerate one as well.
Respect Their Needs
No one likes an obnoxious smell from the breakroom or unreasonable radio volume à la “Office Space.” They may be annoying for many workers, these annoyances can make work virtually impossible for HSPs.
Because input from each of the senses is amplified for those with sensory processing sensitivity, HSPs can find some stimuli extremely distracting. Factors like noise, smell and light can prove overwhelming for HSPs. This often means highly sensitive staff need some kind of private space to work in. It may be a popular trend, but an open office plan is a serious error for employers trying to encourage productive HSPs.
Try Not to Judge
Sensory processing sensitivity affects many aspects of a person, but emotional reactions are often what people notice and judge first.
HSPs are particularly sensitive to criticism. They could be deemed unprofessional or childish for crying or reacting strongly to positive or negative feedback. While the situation can be awkward, remember that such a reaction likely does not reflect on the person giving the feedback. It is simply an instantaneous, innate feeling that can’t be controlled.
Don’t Underestimate Them
HSPs may not naturally be aggressive but it does not mean they don’t have drive or determination for what they do.
Psychologist Elaine Aron discusses this in her book, “The Highly Sensitive Person.” Aron states, “The business world is undoubtedly undervaluing its HSPs. People who are gifted and intuitive yet conscientious and determined not to make mistakes ought to be treasured employees. But we are less likely to fit into the business world when the metaphors for achievement are warfare, pioneering and expansion.”
Why Should I Try to Help my Highly Sensitive Employees?
Understanding and adapting to your employees’ needs can significantly improve a working environment. Whether those needs are in mental health, parental leave, sleep or high sensitivity, these efforts can make for a better business. Even small changes can make a big difference and the effort will not go unnoticed. A sensitive staff member will notice and appreciate every subtle change they see.
Health throughout the office can also prove crucial for a well-run business. Passport Health can help with any of these needs, ranging from employee wellness to on-site flu clinics. Give us a call at for more information, or fill out a contact form.
Will you be implementing any of these ideas in your office? Are you, or is someone you know, highly sensitive? If so, do you agree with our tips to help HSPs in the workplace or have more to share? Let us know via Facebook and Twitter.
Written for Passport Health by Katherine Meikle. Katherine is a research writer and proud first-generation British-American living in Florida, where she was born and raised. She has a passion for travel and a love of writing, which go hand-in-hand.
