14 More Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person: HSPs at Work
For most adults, work is where we spend the majority of our time and for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), the workplace environment can either support or drain your energy.
Many of the HSPs I work with struggle to learn how to balance their uniquely beautiful traits while in the workplace. For HSPs, it is incredibly important to create a space where you can feel grounded and calm, as the stressors of the day can lead to overwhelm. If you are a highly sensitive person looking to create more balance in your day-to-day life, therapy for HSPs is a great place to get started. Let’s explore some signs of being a highly sensitive person in the workplace!
HSPs in the Workforce
According to Elaine Aaron’s research, 15-20% of the population have the gene for being a highly sensitive person. Unfortunately, there are no systems in place to help HSPs thrive in the workplace environment. If you are an HSP, you may notice some of these examples within your own life experience in terms of your depth of processing, overstimulation, emotional responsiveness, and sensitivities to subtle stimuli. Let’s take a look at how this may impact you within your workplace.
Depth of Processing
Sign #1. You like to be prepared for the day. You may arrive early to work or stay a little later to make sure you don’t walk into any surprises the next morning.
Sign #2. You get overwhelmed by full meeting days. You may find that you feel overstimulated by having to be ‘on’ when you’re expected to sit through a full day of meetings.
Overstimulation:
Sign #3. You struggle in workplace environments where you are constantly expected to check and respond to an influx of emails or calls.
Sign #4. You compare yourself to your coworkers. You may doubt yourself and your worth in terms of how both you and your work performance are viewed by others.
Sign #5. After meetings, you struggle to transition from socialization mode to intentional focus mode and you may feel out of sorts for the rest of the day.
Sign #6. You feel exhausted by company icebreaker events or at work holiday parties.
Does being an HSP affect your career or quality of life at work?
Learn more about how Therapy for Highly Sensitive People can help!
Emotional Responsiveness/Empathy:
Sign #7. You feel guilty saying no to more projects when you are overbooked because you don’t want to inconvenience others. Boundaries can feel like a way you are letting others down.
Sign #8. You dread feedback from your supervisors and coworkers as criticism (even when helpful) can feel like rejection.
Sign #9. You go home and want to cancel after-work plans because, while you value your relationships, you’re also completely exhausted.
Sign #10. You notice when a coworker is struggling - and you know how to help (e.g., check-in, give them space, etc…).
Sign #11. You struggle with company turnover and the change of having co-workers leave.
Sensitivity to Subtleties/Sensory Stimuli:
Sign #12. You feel drained by harsh industrial overhead lighting.
Sign #13. You struggle to perform tasks when in an open-facing, cubicle, or shared office setup.
Sign #14. You are impacted by changes in your workplace environment (e.g., burned popcorn smell, sudden shifts in the AC, or elevated noises from your coworkers).
Looking to create the life you want while honoring your HSP traits?
As a therapist for HSPs, I will meet you where you are and help you build up your beautiful strengths!
Where do I start?
One of the most commonly asked questions I receive from HSPs is, how do I start? Oftentimes, it can feel overwhelming to make changes even when you feel ready to have a new experience that aligns with your needs.
I absolutely LOVE working with HSPs as you learn to 1) identify your values, 2) explore and state your needs, and 3) implement boundaries that reflect your beautiful HSP identity.
So…how you are respecting and honoring yourself today? Begin Working With an HSP therapist in Los Angeles, CA
If you’re ready to take steps to improve your well-being in the workplace, counseling for HSPs is a beautiful place to start. I’m looking forward to meeting you! You can start your therapy services with Worth and Wellness by following these simple steps:
Fill out our contact form online for a consultation.
Speak with our experienced dating therapist.
Begin your journey to self-discovery!
Other Services Offered at Worth and Wellness Psychology in Los Angeles, CA
Here at Worth and Wellness Psychology, we offer more than just therapy for dating. We specialize in EMDR therapy, trauma therapy, and anxiety treatment. We also provide therapy for therapists, online therapy, therapy for women of color, and therapy for individuals. Visit us today to start your journey to a better life!
