By Harvey Deutschendorf
In 1991, Dr. Elaine Aron, PhD., coined the phrase, “Highly Sensitive Person,” after years of research into the study of the innate temperament trait of the high sensitivity in using functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Let’s take a look at the qualities of a highly sensitive person so that you will recognize their traits, gifts and the way they will be an asset in your workplace. For those that have these traits, it can be a gift and a curse. They require extra time to process and if something seems off, they will usually identify an issue to be looked into further. Brain scans have shown that HSPs have more active mirror neurons which are responsible for feelings of empathy for others and more activity in brain areas that are involved with emotional responses. HSPs feel both positive and negative emotions more intensely than non-HSPs. Around 20% of our populace are highly sensitive people and thought to be linked to higher levels of creativity, richer personal relationships and a greater appreciation for beauty. In the workplace, they are an asset to your team for the following reasons.
Five reasons HSP’s are valuable employees:
Depth of Processing
The Highly Sensitive brain has a more active insula, the part of the brain that helps enhance perception and increase self-awareness. HSPs are also wired to pause and reflect before engaging. Therefore, HSPs are always taking in a lot of information around them and thinking deeply about it. Since HSPs notice more subtle details in their environments, they are more emotionally impacted by social stimulation and will notice the “pulse” of the workplace energy.
Emotional Intensity
HSPs feel more emotional in response to both positive and negative events, as well as pick up on the emotions of others. HSPs notice subtle details that others miss such as non-verbal cues and small changes in their environment. They are also more impacted by strong sensory input such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells or rough textures. Due to a high capacity for empathy, HSPs often feel guilty for saying “no” and are worried about hurting others. There needs to be time to reflect before taking action. Even positive transitions such as getting a promotion or starting a new relationship can be challenging.
Sensory Sensitivity
Certain types of external stimuli bother HSPs. This could include bright lights, loud noises, social stimulation, crowded buses, quickly flashing movie screens, strong smells and/or rough textures. Covering their ears when an ambulance or fire engine passes by, often cut the tags out of clothing, and/or feel hyped from consuming caffeine or dark chocolate. This is great information to be aware of if your colleague, boss or partner is an HSP.
Sensitive Strengths and Notice Subtleties
When Highly Sensitive People are living a lifestyle suitable for their temperament which includes adequate downtime, meaningful connections and time to integrate experiences, they are able to access many of the gifts that their highly perceptive brains and heightened emotional capacity afford. HSPs typically enjoy one-on-one interactions and prefer meaningful connections. They notice little details that others may miss, such as subtle body language or small changes to an environment. They are the first to notice if a colleague gets a new haircut or if someone is upset. Even the little moments can bring HSPs great joy, as they feel everything deeply and are easily moved. Compared to others, they tend to feel events more deeply and for longer periods of time. Perhaps, the first to cry during a movie or have vivid dreams that will linger for days. Sensitive people are often deeply spiritual and feel connected to nature and animals. Having a tendency to be conscientious leads to a commitment to doing things the right way.
Empathetic, Caring, Intuitive and Perceptive HSPs are very caring, empathetic and emotionally responsive towards the needs of others. Heightened perception, insight and intuition allow the Highly Sensitive Person to notice nonverbal cues and pick-up subtle nuances. Due to a higher level of sensitivity, when HSPs are in the right environment and getting their needs met, they tend to thrive and exhibit many valuable traits such as enhanced perception, empathy, creativity and detail-orientation.
