High Sensitivity in The Workplace: Step Beyond The Stereotypes

In 2017, I interviewed someone about his journey to discovering that he is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and how this insight transformed his experience in the workplace. The discussion offers valuable perspectives for employers and employees alike, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for highly sensitive individuals in professional settings. A couple of years later, he requested that I remove his name for privacy, but he graciously agreed to keep the content available due to its relevance. Here’s an adapted version of our conversation.

When did you discover that you are a highly sensitive person?

I realised it around age 30 after experiencing some work-related issues that led me to therapy. When I shared my story with the therapist, he suggested that I might be a highly sensitive person. I’d never heard the term before, but I was captivated as I began reading about it. A couple of years ago, I even wrote a book on high sensitivity and started a website focusing on HSPs in the workplace.

Did the concept resonate immediately, or was there a period of adjustment?

I immediately saw myself in the description of high sensitivity. Suddenly, my need for alone time, my discomfort in open-plan offices, and my enjoyment of creative projects all made sense. Yet, it took another two or three years to accept this part of myself properly.

Part of my hesitation stemmed from how high sensitivity is often portrayed in the media, where it’s sometimes portrayed alongside spirituality or the paranormal. I’m more pragmatic by nature, so I was initially sceptical. However, when I learned that scientific research supports high sensitivity, I felt more comfortable discussing it openly. Additionally, societal expectations around masculinity made it hard to embrace the label at first.

How do you describe high sensitivity to someone unfamiliar with the term?

I usually say that high sensitivity is an innate trait that affects about 20% of the population. Highly sensitive people process stimuli more deeply, which has advantages and challenges. They are often highly empathic and creative thinkers but are more susceptible to overstimulation. In essence, they are as normal as being left-handed.

Have you noticed any differences in how men and women approach high sensitivity?

Definitely, I estimate that 95% of those I see discussing high sensitivity are women, which might lead people to think of it as a “feminine” trait. But statistically, millions of men are highly sensitive, too—they’re just less likely to be aware of it or openly identify with it.

What do you think keeps highly sensitive men from engaging in these discussions?

High sensitivity hasn’t had the best public image. Search for it online, and you’ll find a lot of associations with flowers, butterflies, or crying children—imagery that doesn’t resonate with some men, who might instead envision themselves as a James Bond type. Often due to cultural pressure, men are reluctant to admit to traits that don’t align with “tough” or “stoic” ideals.

How can we shift the perception of high sensitivity from being a “feminine” trait to a universal one?

I’ve thought a lot about this. First, we need to de-emphasise binary ideas of “feminine” and “masculine” traits. I remember ordering mint tea in a Dutch restaurant once, and the waitress jokingly suggested that I “man up” and order a beer or black coffee. This bias goes beyond high sensitivity and reflects deeper assumptions about masculinity.

Another misconception is that high sensitivity equates to being overly emotional. In reality, high sensitivity involves heightened responsiveness to the environment and deeper processing—not necessarily frequent emotional displays. Rebranding it as “highly adaptive” or “highly responsive” could help, though the trait still has a perception of vulnerability.

What steps can help men embrace high sensitivity in the workplace?

To start, we need to clarify a few points:

• High sensitivity is a natural, common trait, not a disorder.
• It’s not rare; it affects 20% of people, comparable to the 10% who are left-handed.
• Extensive research, starting with Carl Jung, supports the existence of high sensitivity.
• Both men and women are equally likely to be highly sensitive.
• High sensitivity does not imply being overly emotional.

With consistent messaging, high sensitivity can become more accessible and less stigmatised, especially for men.

How do we encourage men to explore and express their sensitivity in the workplace?

Apart from the points above, we need platforms that normalise male high sensitivity. The Haven and other outlets are essential for showing that HSPs are regular people with natural traits, not outliers.

Additionally, it’s helpful to focus on the professional strengths that accompany high sensitivity. Tracy Cooper, a notable expert on HSPs, once noted that many traits common to HSPs—such as creativity, alertness, and strong teamwork skills—are also prized in fields like the US Navy SEALs. If they can value these attributes, there’s no reason others shouldn’t be able to as well.