These two groups of people are more likely to experience imposter syndrome at work

A study of 5,000 individuals from different demographic groups found half of UK adults are impacted by the phenomenon, but some groups suffer more than others.

More than half (54 per cent) of women feel they have experienced imposter syndrome, compared with just 38 per cent of men.

However, people who identify as non-binary are the worst affected of all genders, with 57 per cent doubting their abilities in the workplace.

The research found that a person’s sexual orientation also affected their experience. Bisexual (69 per cent), Queer (68 per cent) and Homosexual (57 per cent) individuals were significantly more likely to experience imposter syndrome than average (50 per cent).

Both Gen Z (66 per cent) and Millennials (58 per cent) were much more likely to have experienced imposter syndrome than Gen X (41 per cent) and over 59s (25 per cent). Of the 50 per cent of those surveyed that have experienced imposter syndrome, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) feel is has held them back at work and 43 per cent have experience it at least once a week.

Jill Whittaker, CEO of Executive Development Network, which commissioned the research, said, “My takeaway from this research is that there is a huge inclusivity issue here in the UK. Women, non-binary people and non-heterosexual orientated people are far more likely to experience a condition that the majority of people agree can hold you back from progressing at work.