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, offering potential benefits to their organizations.

In a study soon to be published in the Japanese Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers from Osaka University 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. In Japan, the issue of early turnover among young people is a matter of great public concern. 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.

“Our study found that HSPs in the workplace tend to feel more stress and approximately 26% of working adults could be classified as HSPs,” says lead author Tomohiro Ioku. “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,” explains senior author Eiichiro Watamura.

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, industrial organizations can develop more inclusive and supportive environments,” says Ioku. “This could improve employee retention and overall workplace well-being.”

The researchers hope that their findings will encourage further studies on the positive attributes of HSPs. They believe that fostering a work environment that acknowledges and supports the traits of HSPs can enhance both productivity and employee satisfaction.