Ask an Adviser: How do we manage highly sensitive people?

Welcome to Ask an Adviser, EBN’s weekly column in which benefit brokers and advisers answer (anonymous) queries sent in by our readers. Looking for some expert advice? Please submit questions to askanadviser@arizent.com. This week, we asked Clare Kumar, a highly sensitive executive coach and creator of the Happy Space Podcast, to weigh in on the following: How do we manage highly sensitive people?

It’s a great question, especially during these challenging times. Did you know that the one in five people who are “highly sensitive” also perform above average? You’ll want strategies to be more inclusive of this group of neurodivergent thinkers in order to retain their rich contribution as the threat of the Great Resignation continues to loom.

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) experience both trait strengths and struggles. High performance comes from an ability to notice subtle stimuli, be empathetic (which is an in-demand leadership quality), emotionally perceptive and think deeply. Often expressed as creative problem solving, strong rapport building, conscientiousness and insight, you might be starting to recognize the HSPs on your team.

Read more: Tap into talent: Ending the underrepresentation of neurodiversity in the workplace

Given the constant perceptiveness and responsiveness of the HSP nervous system, though, HSPs can burn out more quickly. Sensitivity to noise, light, visual chaos, emotional energy and more can be exhausting, especially in the typical open-concept offices. In addition to physiological and psychological safety, HSPs need “neurological safety.”

“If I’m not allowed to keep working from home several days a week, I’ll quit,” says a marketing consultant I recently worked with. HSPs deserve more options than burn out or opt out.

Here are five strategies to bring out the best in your highly sensitive crew. They’lll go a long way to making HSPs feel more comfortable in the workplace. If you’re curious to know more, ask your HSPs what they need to succeed. Chances are they will have thought deeply about it.