Here’s Why Someone With Neuroticism Is A Good Employee

 

The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

If you do a quick internet search, search engines like Google depict neurotics as terrible employees, including - a source of team disharmony and a tendency to pass stress onto their coworkers in a demotivating manner. It's hardly surprising, then, that people with a history of mental illness have a difficult time adjusting.

These core attributes — anxiety, self-criticism, and always anticipating the worst – have empirical research that implies that shifting these traits can have a favorable impact on an organization. Here's how you can transform your prejudice against neurotic workers and start appreciating them for what they bring to the table.

They Are Always Striving For Something Better

When you live in constant fear of failing and assume that your coworkers will think less of you because of it, it can be a tremendously powerful motivator for neurotics to perform at their best constantly. In the face of anxiety and the criticism of oneself that comes with it, they are driven to keep working on themselves. 

They Ruminate On Their Decisions

 Even though this trait can have an evident drawback in terms of provoking some anxiety in the bystanders who wait for them to make a decision—this trait can also be an advantage in a role where the purpose is being able to predict and mitigate issues, or when a thorough evaluation of a certain subject is necessary.

 

The Have A Talent At Dealing With Bad News

There are obvious advantages to working with someone who is continuously cognizant of probable setbacks, and can certainly be useful when allowed to examine and minimize costly mistakes. 

They're More Self-Aware Than The Average Joe

Neurotic people tend to have more realistic self-awareness and expectations, which can provide a refreshing shift in managing expectations in the workplace, compared to a pompous or over-promising coworker.

They Have More Emotional Depth

Neurotic people also have a more robust capacity for empathy. They are very understanding of the challenges of others because of their ability to deal with unpleasant emotions more effectively than other members of the team. However, being emotionally intelligent doesn't mean you should take on the brunt of emotional labor. If you feel overwhelmed at work, visit BetterHelp to learn how therapy can help you work through this. 

What Job Roles Best Suit Neurotic Individuals?

Neurotics can thrive in academics, as entrepreneurs, writers, artists, accountants, and in freelance roles that allow them to work independently while not having to play a false character and mask their inner anxieties. Any position where they could come up with and share fresh, innovative ideas is perfect for someone who considers themselves neurotic. 

 

How To Make The Workplace Better For Those With Neuroticism

It is still possible for people with anxiety disorders to succeed in the workplace. Managers must learn to harness their nervous energy and use it to their advantage. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your neurotic employees:

 

• Consider putting them in positions that need near-obsessive attention to detail, such as those in compliance or financial management. Neurotic individuals excel at risk assessment and management because of their inherent caution. Neurotic individuals excel at risk assessment and management because of their intrinsic caution.
  
   
• Give neurotic employees extended deadlines, so they don't feel like they're under too much stress.
  
   
• Do not interfere with their productivity. When left to their own devices, neurotic people are at their most productive.
  
   
• They should be encouraged to collaborate in groups. As a group, neurotics often put in a lot of work; therefore, there are many potential upsides.

 

• Show your gratitude by expressing your appreciation with a lot of good remarks. People with neuroses require a lot of encouragement in order to feel good about themselves.
• Don't be afraid to put them in leadership roles. Risk-averse neurotic people have saved several organizations from the edge of disaster by shooting down the crazier ideas from their fellow executives.