You often hear about the division into introverts and extroverts, which has become a common way of classifying personalities. However, it is less common to talk about highly sensitive people, who comprise about 15-20% of all people. These individuals process stimuli deeply, show strong empathy and extra-high sensitivity to social signals that are subtle, and tend to feel sensory overload quickly. Having such personality can affect a person’s psychological wellbeing and professional efficiency in a work environment. Recognizing and supporting employees who are highly sensitive translates into team well-being, but is also a strategy for improving performance. The following article looks at specific solutions and strategies that may be useful in creating a work environment that is more inclusive for HSPs.
What to know about highly sensitive people?
As a genetically determined trait, high sensitivity cannot be eliminated or acquired. It should also be noted that this is not a mental abnormality or disorder. What distinguishes a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is, primarily, sensory processing that is more intense that what others experience. In them, the nervous system response to different stimuli is much stronger. Highly sensitive people pick up more sensory input which they analyze and process, which makes them especially susceptible to becoming overwhelmed and likely to experience stress more than their colleagues. It has been estimated that up to 20% of all people are highly sensitive [1]. They are conscientious, empathetic, creative and devoted individuals, and make ideal employees and an asset for organizations to treasure.
How do people who are highly sensitive work? How does a company benefit from having them?
Highly sensitive people work in an extremely attentive and empathic manner which reflects how deeply they perceive things around them and the emotions of others. Their ability to perceive others’ needs is heightened by their being sensitive to subtle signs like changes of mood or ambiguity. In fact, as perfectionists, they strive for perfection in everything they do, so they need the right conditions to do their work at the highest level. Their sensitivity makes them uncomfortable working under tight deadlines, and they prefer clear, direct communication. Often, they may try to avoid distressing ambiguity and situations that are not clear. In teamwork, they do not engage in competition, but strive instead for cooperation. Highly sensitive people prove to be great planners and analysts owing to their inborn talent for foresight and analysis. Their capacity for deep reflection and prudence translates into efficiency and inventive in making decisions.
How are highly sensitive people affected by working in an open-plan office?
An open-plan office may be a challenging workplace for highly sensitive people. Continuous stimuli like movement, noise and lack of clear-cut personal boundaries are typical for this type of space. High-sensitivity employees respond to these with increased levels of anxiety and stress. Often, HSPs need a little more time for processing information, something that is much more difficult in noisy and busy environments. As a result, in spite of their working hard and making real effort, they may be misperceived as being less effective. Optimally, arrange for a quieter work environment to cater to the psychological comfort and professional effectiveness of people who are highly sensitive. You could achieve this by, for example, giving them the option to do some work in Hushoffice acoustic pods. This isolation from distracting sounds and other surrounding stimuli allows highly sensitive employees to focus without the pressure or the feeling of being under constant observation and the fear of being underrated.
What do people who are highly sensitive need in the office to leverage their strengths?
Workplace diversity is much more than simply following global trends, but an investment strategy that fosters innovation and increases firm’s efficiency as well. Workplace inclusiveness means that you are willing to support the unique qualities that diverse employees offer. Creating the right conditions that minimize external stimuli for them to help them work in undisturbed focus is critical. Single-person hushHybrid acoustic work pods have a significant role in ensuring “safe sanctuaries” amidst the commotion of corporate environments. HSPs can use them to disconnect for a while from constant interaction and exposure to stimuli, while allowing them to work in a way that works for them. With adjustable lighting, ventilation and sound-absorbing panels inside, they prove to be the right space where emotional balance is possible. Customized in this way, the office can help HSPs turn their potential into tangible achievements that make them invaluable team members.
https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2017.0161
