Highly Sensitive Persons at the Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this master’s thesis is to examine the intersection between highly sensitive persons and their professional lives. The study is particularly interested in the challenges experienced by highly sensitive employees in their work and how organizations can create sustainable and inclusive workplaces for these individuals. The research is based on 8 semi-structured interviews with highly sensitive persons, complemented by research and literature in the field, as well as an expert interview with a practicing specialist in highly sensitive employees and their professional lives. Given that it is a relatively unexplored research field, the study aims to understand and bring more nuances to the experiences of highly sensitive employees in a professional context through an inductive and exploratory approach. The master’s thesis highlights some of the challenges many highly sensitive employees face in the workplace. The feelings of being different and increased vulnerability to overstimulation are aspects that require special attention from organizations to create a more inclusive work environment where highly sensitive employees can thrive. The study also focuses on key considerations that leaders and organizations should keep in mind to improve conditions for highly sensitive employees. These suggestions include creating an environment where they feel accepted and valued in their differences, as well as implementing a broader culture of break practices that considers different needs and helps manage overstimulation. Finally, the traditional diversity and inclusion agenda are discussed, criticized for its narrow focus on demographic factors, which hinders the inclusion of other types of differences, such as the highly sensitive trait. The distribution of responsibility for the well-being of highly sensitive employees is also discussed, along with the value of using these employees as valuable indicators of potential workplace dissatisfaction.