WORKPLACE REJECTION SENSITIVITY
When Feedback, Silence or a Change in Tone Feels Much Bigger Than It Looks
A short email. A colleague who seems quieter than usual. “Can we have a quick chat?” Feedback that everybody else appears to take in their stride.
Sometimes a very small workplace moment can create an enormous emotional response.
This Workplace Wellbeing resource explores rejection sensitivity with compassion rather than telling somebody they are simply “too sensitive.”
The three-page downloadable guide looks at perceived rejection, criticism, ADHD, autism, anxiety, previous bullying, low confidence and the way ambiguous workplace communication can quickly become filled with the most frightening explanation.
It also makes an important distinction between the feeling and the facts.
The emotional response can be completely real while the meaning our brain has attached to the situation may still need checking.
Practical sections explore separating observation from interpretation, pausing before over-apologising, receiving feedback without collapsing into shame, reducing reassurance cycles and helping managers communicate more clearly.
Importantly, the guide does not use rejection sensitivity to explain away genuine workplace problems. Bullying, humiliation, discrimination, exclusion and harmful management behaviour need to be recognised for what they are.
You do not need to become less caring.
The aim is to become less frightened by every moment of uncertainty.
Space to Breathe Therapy
Support • Understand • Belong
