Corporate Archives

The TACTILE (touch) sense is a primary sense we use on a daily basis to process information from the environment. It is vital for communication, interaction and performance.

Receptors for the tactile system are located in the skin. It has therefore the widest receptor field of all the senses. We use touch to feel and discriminate our environment and to protect us from harm. When connecting with other people we enter each other’s “tactile space” for interaction.

Thresholds for touch (how much touch your brain can tolerate) are on a continuum:

On one end people have low thresholds for touch:

* they dislike and avoid touch from other people
* they tend to isolate themselves from others
* they are on “guard” with teamwork operations
* they need big/wide working spaces
* they perform poorly in open-plan office environments

On the other end people have high thresholds for touch:

* they enjoy touch and often will touch people when talking to them
* they enjoy working in close proximity with others
* they enjoy people and are usually sociable
* they contribute positively to teamwork functions

Sensory self-assessments will establish your tactile threshold and guide you towards using your environment to work and perform better. Creating the optimum workspace for you based on your sensory needs will make you work BETTER, HARDER AND SMARTER!!

Sensory defensiveness is the result of aversive or defensive reactions to what most people consider non-irritating sensory stimuli. Due to a low threshold/low tolerance the brain over-responds. It often leads to tension, anxiety, avoidance, stress and anger. Basic sensations have the potential to put the brain in a “high alert” state, which coincides with a stress response.

Degrees of sensory defensiveness can be mild, moderate or severe.

Defensiveness can be evident in one or more sensory systems e.g. if someone is auditory defensive, sounds and noise will potentially overload the brain. Although largely unrecognized, sensory defensiveness is not uncommon. USA studies showed that 15% of normal adults have a nervous system that is overly sensitive to sensation. They can become irritable and distracted as their brains keep on going into fight/flight responses. Sensory irritations can be as simple as:

Someone opening a bag of chips
The odour of a new car
The flashing pointer on a computer screen
The hum of an air conditioner
The feeling of clothing labels

The following “labels” or descriptions can potentially indicate a sensory defensive person….difficult, picky, perfectionist, anti-social, demanding, fussy, finicky, fastidious… Understanding these behaviours and their origins are key for implementing appropriate strategies.

A South African pilot study of 70 people who completed the Adult Sensory Profile indicated the following:

27% had mild to moderate sensitivity
17% had severe sensitivity (sensory defensive)

These people all complained of loss in concentration, increased stress and reduced performance in the workplace.

One way of addressing sensory defensiveness is having coaching sessions with a qualified practitioner.

COACHING for sensory defensive individuals include:
* Identifying sensory thresholds and degree of defensiveness
* Identifying sensory stressors
* Implementing self-regulation strategies
* Implementing sensory diets
* Creating best-fit environments in the workplace and at home

Let’s stop criticizing each other’s weaknesses and start focusing on the positive characteristics that come with our “labels”.

Celebrate your strengths!!!

Category: Corporate

The tactile sense

Sensory defensiveness