The impostor syndrome trap: Why are so many women shackled by it at the workplace?

Meet Ria (name changed on request), a 28-year-old marketing manager known for her creative campaigns that have significantly boosted her company’s brand. Despite receiving praise from her colleagues and boss, Ria often feels like a fraud. Each success seems more like a stroke of luck or the result of her team’s efforts rather than her own capabilities.At work, she dons a mask of confidence, concealing her self-doubt. While others perceive her as a leader, she constantly worries that one mistake will expose her as unqualified. Ria frequently stays late, overcompensating for her insecurities by scrutinizing every email and decision, fearing her achievements are merely a series of fortunate coincidences. Do you relate to Ria’s experience? If so, you may be facing what is known as ‘imposter syndrome’ at the workplace.

What Is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome refers to a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and harbor a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Despite their achievements, those with imposter syndrome often feel unworthy of their success, attributing it to luck, timing, or deceiving others into believing they are more competent than they truly are. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and an overwhelming need to prove oneself at work.
In the workplace, imposter syndrome may manifest as:

This phenomenon can affect both junior employees and seasoned professionals, regardless of their role or level of success. Overcoming it typically involves recognizing these feelings, reframing self-doubt, and learning to celebrate one’s own accomplishments.

Gender disparities in imposter syndrome

To understand how imposter syndrome manifests across genders, we can examine two reports: the Workforce 2024 report by Korn Ferry, a global executive search and leadership consulting firm, and a KPMG study. According to the Workforce report, 47% of employers experience imposter syndrome, with 44% of women affected compared to 49% of men. Meanwhile, the KPMG report indicates that 75% of female executives across various industries have encountered imposter syndrome during their careers.
Although imposter syndrome is prevalent in both genders, it manifests differently. Men tend to underperform by avoiding challenging goals and feedback, while women often challenge themselves even more to prove their worth, as reported by Forbes. A 2022 report cited by the Human Resources Director (HRD) revealed that 80% of men experience imposter syndrome, while 90% of women do so as well.

Factors leading to imposter syndrome in women at the workplace

Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue for women in the workplace, often stemming from various factors that undermine their confidence and sense of belonging. Some of the factors are mentioned below:
Discriminatory comments and stereotypes: Racist and sexist comments, such as “Women are not good leaders because they are too emotional” or “Women are not good at math or science,” significantly contribute to imposter syndrome in women, according to Forbes.
Lack of supportive leadership: Having a supportive performance manager who understands your feelings and takes measures to create a positive work environment is crucial. A lack of such support can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.
Unfair compensation: The significant pay gap between men and women in similar positions often leads to imposter syndrome. For instance, in 2022, women earned an average of 82% of what men earned, as reported by the Pew Research Center and highlighted by Forbes. This disparity can create feelings of unworthiness and insecurity.
Absence of role models: The lack of role models or individuals who share similar backgrounds and experiences can contribute to feelings of isolation. When women do not see others like themselves succeeding in their fields, they may feel they don’t belong or will never be good enough.

How can women overcome imposter syndrome symptoms at work?

To combat imposter syndrome at work, women can adopt several proactive strategies that foster confidence and a sense of belonging. Some of the strategies are given below:
Challenge negative stereotypes: Combat discriminatory comments and stereotypes by actively questioning their validity. Remind yourself of your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues who challenge these harmful narratives and reinforce your capabilities.
Seek mentorship and support: Find a mentor or a supportive performance manager who understands your challenges and can provide guidance. Openly discuss your feelings of self-doubt with them. Having someone to talk to can help validate your experiences and offer practical advice for navigating workplace challenges.
Advocate for fair compensation: Educate yourself about salary benchmarks and advocate for fair compensation. Engage in open conversations about pay and seek transparency within your organization. Knowing your worth can help counter feelings of inadequacy and reinforce your sense of value in the workplace.
Build a network of role models: Connect with women and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are succeeding in your field. Join professional organizations, attend networking events, or participate in workshops that promote inclusivity. Seeing others like you thrive can inspire confidence and create a sense of belonging, helping you combat feelings of being an imposter.

Imposter syndrome among CEOs

The Korn Ferry survey also revealed that around three-quarters of CEOs in India acknowledge having faced feelings of imposter syndrome. The survey reached out to 1,250 CEOs globally—including those from the US, UK, Middle East, Brazil, Australia, and India—of which 238 were from India, as reported by the Economic Times. The report suggests that both India and the US exhibit high levels of imposter syndrome.
On a global scale, the Korn Ferry report shows that 71% of US CEOs and 57% of Middle Eastern CEOs experience imposter syndrome, along with nearly half of UK and Australian bosses. Furthermore, 65% of senior executives reported suffering from imposter syndrome, compared to only 33% of early-stage professionals.
Another study conducted by Instant Offices indicates a staggering 75% increase in inquiries related to imposter syndrome in 2024 alone. The highest proportions of cases are found in:

Additionally, a report by NerdWallet revealed that 78% of business leaders have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.