A recent survey unveils significant concerns of ‘imposter syndrome’ among UK workers, affecting their confidence at work.
- Conducted by a leading jobs and careers site, the survey reveals that 40% of workers feel self-doubt about their abilities.
- Women and young people are the most affected groups, with 45% of women and 53% of young adults experiencing imposter syndrome.
- Upskilling is identified as a potential solution, with 67% of workers willing to consider skills development.
- These findings emerge ahead of National Careers Week, emphasising the importance of equipping workers with necessary skills.
A newly conducted survey by a prominent UK jobs and careers platform has revealed that 40% of workers are struggling with ‘imposter syndrome,’ marked by severe self-doubt about their own abilities at work. The data, gathered from over 2,000 workers and 250 employers, underscores the prevalence of this issue ahead of National Careers Week.
Primarily affecting women and younger workers, the survey found that 45% of women and an even higher percentage of young workers, at 53%, report experiencing this syndrome. The main reasons cited include feeling out of depth in their roles and feeling inferior to their colleagues, both influencing around 38% of respondents.
Despite these challenges, there is a strong inclination towards upskilling as a means to counteract these feelings of inadequacy. Two-thirds of the surveyed workforce, about 67%, expressed their readiness to enhance their skills. The interest in skill enhancement is particularly high among those aged 18-24, with 87% open to upskilling.
The survey highlights barriers such as cost and time, which hinder skills development, with 30% of respondents pointing to financial constraints and 25% to time availability. Among younger workers, the financial barrier is more pronounced, affecting 36%. Meanwhile, 51% of employers acknowledge the growing desire among employees to upskill, aligning with the broader demand for skill development.
Amidst these findings, opportunities for enhanced skill acquisition remain limited, with only 49% of employers offering training for all employees, and just a third providing it specifically for certain roles. To bridge this gap, Reed.co.uk offers free access to various online resources during National Careers Week. These range from a Gateway to Work tool and AI-based career guidance to interviews and network-building courses, all aimed at equipping workers for current market demands.
The survey underscores the significant impact of ‘imposter syndrome’ and highlights the critical role of upskilling in overcoming workplace challenges.
