Sensitive yet empathetic: The dual nature of highly sensitive persons in the workplace

Work stress is a prevalent issue globally, and a recent study from Japan highlights a distinct group of employees who perceive stress in a unique way. Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), known for their heightened sensitivities to external stimuli, tend to experience higher levels of stress and display increased empathy, the latter offering potential benefits to their organizations.

In a study in the Japanese Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers have revealed that the score for HSP is positively correlated with the score for work stress, even after accounting for personality traits like optimism and pessimism. Interestingly, the score for HSP is also positively correlated with the score for empathy, suggesting that their heightened sensitivity enables them to connect deeply with others, potentially fostering a more supportive work environment.

Work stress has been recognized as a major cause of early turnover, job dissatisfaction, emotional exhaustion, decreased productivity, and even suicide. Understanding individual differences in work stress is important for addressing this issue in terms of which individuals to target with strategies.

The research team conducted an online survey in February 2022, involving 296 working adults aged 18 and above.

What the researchers say: “Our study found that HSPs in the workplace tend to feel more stress and approximately 26% of working adults could be classified as HSPs,” the lead author said. “This is surprising because it suggests a substantial portion of the workforce might be experiencing higher levels of stress.”

Furthermore, HSPs were found to be more empathetic towards their colleagues, suggesting that their sensitivity also allows them to connect deeply with others, potentially fostering a supportive work environment.

“Our findings indicate that while HSPs are more susceptible to stress, their high levels of empathy can be a valuable asset to organizations, particularly in roles that require strong interpersonal skills,” the researchers explained.

These insights have important implications for how workplaces can be designed and managed. Stress in the workplace is often linked to issues like job dissatisfaction, high turnover, and emotional exhaustion. Traditional support systems such as mentoring programs may not be sufficient if they do not take into account the diverse needs of employees, particularly those of HSPs.

“By understanding the unique traits of HSPs, organizations can develop more inclusive and supportive environments,” the lead author concluded. “This could improve employee retention and overall workplace well-being.”

So, what? This is a fascinating study. Obviously, we need more research to understand the working conditions that suit highly sensitive people. My guess is that their needs would not be that different from other workers and would include some obvious ones such as being led by transformational managers, a workplace free from bullying and ample time for socializing.