Imposter syndrome has long been portrayed as a phenomenon predominantly affecting women, but new insights are challenging that narrative. A recent survey from Right Management reveals that 55% of Gen-Z employees are wrestling with the feeling that they don’t deserve their professional success. But this isn’t just a young person’s problem, men and women are equally affected.
Both men (53%) and women (57%) admit to doubting whether they’ve earned their achievements. And this self-doubt has real consequences. A striking 24% of women say they’re less likely to go for promotions because of their feelings, compared to just 16% of men. Could this be a hidden barrier keeping talented women from advancing in their careers?
Adding to the intrigue, while 21% of men think they’re more susceptible to imposter syndrome, a whopping 38% of women believe they’re the ones affected most. Lorraine Mills, a principal consultant at Right Management, warns that sticking to these assumptions could lead to missed opportunities for open discussion. “We need to break out of our silos and talk openly about self-doubt,” she advises.
The survey also uncovers that 34% of all respondents have felt undeserving of their success. And Gen-Z, often labeled as overconfident, is actually the most likely to question their standing in the workplace.
How we overcome imposter syndrome together
What does this mean for leaders? Mills stresses the critical role they play in fostering a supportive workplace culture. “Creating an environment where employees can share their feelings about imposter syndrome is essential,” she insists.
Ignoring these feelings can lead to a host of problems, including burnout and low morale. Leaders need to step up with targeted training and open dialogues that foster psychological safety.
Imposter syndrome isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real challenge affecting employees across the board. It’s time to confront the reality of self-doubt in the workplace and create an atmosphere where everyone feels they truly belong and deserve their success.