Are there any provisions for tackling imposter syndrome in your employee wellbeing strategy? If not, perhaps there should be. After all, imposter syndrome is a notorious saboteur of workplace wellbeing, whispering you’re a fraud, you don’t belong, and everyone will find out.
In Crystal Raypole’s Healthline article You’re Not a Fraud. Here’s How to Recognize and Overcome Imposter Syndrome she described how imposter syndrome “involves feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments.”
It’s both damaging and limiting for individual sufferers, their teams and their employers. For these reasons, it’s crucial to address it head-on in your employee wellbeing strategy, whether you’re a corporate HR professional or a SME business owner. The good news is overcoming imposter syndrome can be an exciting journey of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Spot Signs and Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
The persistent feelings of self-doubt and incompetence characterising imposter syndrome can significantly impact individuals and the overall business because of the following negative impacts:
- Self-doubt – Constantly questioning their abilities.
- Overworking and presenteeism – Trying to compensate for perceived lack of competence and / or output.
- Burnout – Emotional and physical exhaustion from over-exertion and stress.
- Avoiding challenges – Dodging opportunities for growth due to fear of failure.
The question is – What can you include in your employee wellbeing strategy to minimise imposter syndrome among team members?
Why Continuous Learning is Your Secret Weapon for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Continuous learning is a powerful tool for reinforcing competence and confidence. So, think about small, manageable goals such as the following – and build from there:
- Offer online or in-personal courses – Platforms like Google Garage , HubSpot and LinkedIn Learning offer a multitude of both free and paid online courses. Or enlist a sector specialist for tailored in-person or hybrid training.
- Join professional groups – Engage with communities and memberships focusing on your field of expertise.
- Facilitate mentorship – Offer buddying for team members to learn from someone experienced.
Think about it. When you feel competent, in control and knowledgeable, there are fewer gaps for imposter syndrome for squeeze through.
What’s more, you’ll cause a ripple effect by leveraging your employee wellbeing strategy to demonstrate a shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. The result can transform the way everybody perceives the challenges and failures of everyday workplace life in terms f=of
- Reframing failures – Viewing setbacks as learning experiences.
- Celebrating small wins – Recognising and rewarding progress.
- Staying curious – Encouraging staff to always be on the lookout for new things to learn.
But beware taking a tick box approach. Conversely, you want to ensure your good intentions get baked in at a deeper level.
Develop an Employee Workplace Strategy to Boost Your Team’s Confidence
There’s so much you can do to cultivate an environment where your team feels valued, supported, and confident.
So remember, continuous learning isn’t solely about acquiring new skills. Furthermore, it’s about proactively helping your employees evolve into the best versions of themselves. So, rise to the challenge, champion it, and watch imposter syndrome take a backseat.
Intrigued about prioritising continuous learning to support your employee wellbeing strategy? Our market-leading Stress Matters corporate wellbeing workshops are designed to target workplace wellbeing, resilience, and productivity, providing practical tools to overcome imposter syndrome and ignite your team’s overall wellbeing.
They include:
- Tackling Imposter Syndrome – Understand its impact and how to support those feeling like a fraud.
- Unlock Your Hidden Confidence – Define confidence, build a confidence plan, and boost self-esteem.
Book one (or both!) and help create a workplace where everyone feels capable, valued, and ready to tackle any challenge with assurance and poise.
