The abilities of gifted employees are extremely valuable in a knowledge based economy. However, research on the functioning of gifted adults in the workplace is relatively scarce. In this study we focus on the strengths and needs of gifted employees and investigate how well these fit with their current job. We also explore which barriers may hinder gifted adults at work. The results are based on two online surveys (N = 48 and 35 respondents respectively) and biographical data. This study shows that gifted employees stand out because of their high cognitive abilities, strong willpower and creative drive. They are eager to solve complex problems and would like to allocate nearly 85% of their time to non-routine tasks. However, in reality many feel bored and experience a big gap between their intrinsic capabilities and the current requirements of their job (~ 80%). Unsuitable job contexts may lead to the desire to change jobs (~ 70%) and bore outs (~ 50%). On the other hand, gifted workers are also prone to workaholic behavior and burn-outs (1/3 respondents), because of the very high standards they set for themselves (and others). They may also suffer from emotional distress because of the 'intellectual disconnect' they experience with colleagues.