Imposter Syndrome Surges by 96%: How Employers Can Tackle the Rising Tide of Self-Doubt
According to YouGov, one in six people will experience imposter syndrome – a persistent feeling of inadequacy in their career despite others' perceptions – at least once in their lifetime. Recently, Instant Offices, experts in office spaces, reported a staggering 96% rise in searches for "imposter syndrome," indicating that more professionals are struggling with self-doubt.
To support those battling these feelings, Instant Offices explored the root causes of imposter syndrome and collaborated with internal experts to provide practical coping strategies.
Common Causes of Imposter Syndrome
Overemphasis on Criticism: Focusing too much on criticism while ignoring positive feedback can intensify feelings of inadequacy. When negative comments are magnified, it can reinforce the belief that one’s competence is lacking.
Comparisons to Others: Constantly comparing oneself to peers can create a sense of inferiority, as achievements may seem diminished in comparison to those of others.
Lack of Recognition: When efforts and accomplishments go unacknowledged, individuals may begin to doubt their abilities and feel undeserving of their success.
Social Media Pressure: The curated images of success on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy as individuals compare their real lives to the polished portrayals of others, fuelling imposter syndrome.
The team at Instant Offices have put together 5 top tips to help those that are struggling with imposter syndrome
Accept Praise and Know Your Worth: Don’t shy away from praise and compliments. Accept your achievements and if need be, write them down. When you try to talk yourself out of feeling confident in your role, all the proof is on paper. Knowing your worth means allowing your work to speak for itself and letting others see it too.
Stop Thinking Like an Imposter: Learn to recognise self-defeating thought patterns and replace them with more positive affirmations. The only way to stop feeling like an imposter is to stop thinking of yourself as one.
Don’t Seek Perfection: Stop believing that if you don’t excel at every facet of your job that you’re a failure at all of it. Facing challenges and losses is a key part of growth, so recognise that you don’t have to be good at everything.
Know You Are Not Alone: Imposter syndrome tends to be the domain of overachievers, while underachievers tend to internalise less when faced with failure. If you’re constantly worried about not being good enough, chances are you’re in good company – most successful people constantly overanalyse themselves!
