Impostor syndrome affects 43% of employees, survey finds
The MyPerfectResume survey of more than 1,000 employed workers found 43% experience impostor feelings, while 66% said they feel pressure to appear more confident.
More 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.
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