A survey conducted by Reed.co.uk, revealed the high prevalence of ‘imposter syndrome’ among workers, with 40 percent admitting to grappling with self-doubt in their abilities at some point during their career.
The findings, released just ahead of National Careers Week, highlight the need for a renewed focus on personal development and upskilling in the face of an evolving job market.
The survey, which captured the sentiments of over 2,000 UK workers and 250 UK employers, identified feeling out of depth at work (38%) and inferior to colleagues (38%) as the most common reasons behind imposter syndrome.
Notably, imposter syndrome appeared to be more prevalent among women (45%) and young people (53%), compared to 33 percent of men.
Upskilling as a solution
Responding to these challenges, the survey showcased a growing recognition of upskilling as an effective solution to address personal barriers and enhance career progression. A significant 67 percent of workers expressed their willingness to consider upskilling at some point, underscoring the increasing importance of skills in a competitive job market.
Younger demographics, especially those aged between 18-24, exhibited a notable appetite for upskilling, with a staggering 87 percent expressing a willingness to explore this avenue.
However, the survey also unveiled obstacles to upskilling, with 30 percent of respondents citing cost as their main barrier, a figure rising to 36 percent among young people. Another challenge highlighted was the struggle to find dedicated time for upskilling, with 25 percent of workers indicating this as a hindrance.
The majority want to upskill
The employer perspective revealed that over half (51%) had observed a desire among their employees to upskill, and an equal number expressed a willingness to hire candidates without traditional qualifications if they possessed the necessary skills and experience.
Despite this, the survey indicated a mismatch between worker demand and employer offerings, as only 34 percent of employers reported providing training and development opportunities for specific roles, potentially leaving a gap in addressing the broader skill development needs of the workforce.
To bridge this gap and support workers during National Careers Week, Reed.co.uk is offering free access to a range of online initiatives suitable for various experience levels. These resources include the Gateway to Work tool, Veer – an AI-based career choice tool, and a complimentary version of the Life’s Work course, featuring interview coaching exercises, network growth advice, and insights into the current job market.
Transferable skills
James Reed, Chairman of Reed.co.uk, commented on the findings, emphasising the significance of upskilling in a competitive job market. He encouraged jobseekers to focus on transferable skills, emphasising communication and problem-solving as key attributes that employers find desirable.
National Careers Week takes on added importance this year, as jobseekers navigate increased competition while employers seek candidates equipped with the right skills. Reed.co.uk’s commitment to providing free access to valuable resources aims to empower individuals, particularly young people, as they navigate the dynamic landscape of the job market.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
