6 Work Habits That May Secretly Be A Sign You're A 'Highly Sensitive Person'

Have you been told you are “too sensitive”? Do interruptions throw off your whole day? Can you instantly read the emotions in a room?

There’s a name for what you might be: a “highly sensitive person,” or an HSP. It’s a personality trait that was first defined by psychologist Elaine Aron and was popularized by her 1996 book, “The Highly Sensitive Person.”

If you’re an HSP, you have what is known as sensory processing sensitivity. Highly sensitive people are easily overstimulated and process information more deeply. Studies have found that it is a trait that evolved in humans and in other animals to notice environmental dangers others may miss. By Aron’s estimate, 15% to 20% of people in the world are highly sensitive.

“Put very simply, it means that you have a more reactive nervous system,” said Melody Wilding, a licensed social worker and executive coach who identifies as an HSP.

“Highly sensitive people will often say, ‘I feel everything more deeply. And I’m so much more aware and vigilant of other people’s behavior and emotions,’” Wilding explained. “Our brains are literally spending more time processing all of that information more deeply, too.”

Being an HSP is going to affect all your relationships, including how you do your job. Here are some common ways it might show up at work:

1. You need to analyze everything before you make a decision.

Alane Freund, a licensed marriage and family therapist and international consultant on HSPs, said highly sensitive people operate under a “do it once and do it right” mindset.

“They’re more reflective and responsive to their environment. They pause before they react, and they process what they see before they act,” she said.

“I won’t just give you my off-the-cuff initial