Jessica O'ConnorMore than four in 10 employees reported experiencing impostor syndrome at work, as many felt compelled to project confidence despite underlying self-doubt, according to research from MyPerfectResume.
The survey of more than 1,000 employed workers found 43% experience impostor feelings, while 66% said they feel pressure to appear more confident or knowledgeable than they are.
Researchers said this reflects a growing gap between employees’ internal experiences and perceived workplace expectations.
The findings suggested leadership behaviour may reinforce the issue.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said leaders rarely or never discuss their own doubts or mistakes, contributing to a culture where uncertainty is concealed and confidence becomes performative.
Pressure and comparison were identified as the main drivers of self-doubt, cited by 74% of workers.
Factors included high expectations from management, comparisons with high-performing colleagues and personal perfectionism.
A lack of feedback or recognition was highlighted by 24% of respondents.
The impact extends to career progression.
More than half (58%) said impostor syndrome or self-doubt had negatively affected their career growth, and 7% reported turning down major opportunities as a result.
Workers often respond by increasing effort rather than disengaging.
Over half (56%) said they overwork or minimise their achievements, while 33% reported withdrawing from new responsibilities or becoming less visible.
Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume, said: “Impostor syndrome isn’t a lack of ability; it’s often a response to workplace environments that reward certainty and visibility over learning and honesty.
“When leaders don’t acknowledge their own mistakes or growth moments, it can reinforce the idea that confidence is mandatory and doubt should stay hidden.”
