Do YOU feel like a fraud in the office? Researchers say 70% of people have suffered from 'impostor phenomenon' -with disastrous results

Researchers say 70% of people have, at some point, felt like an 'impostor'
It means they worry they are in a position that's beyond their capabilities
While it can encourage people to perform their best, it has negative effects
Researchers say self-doubt causes people to fall short of full potential

Published: 22:18 GMT, 21 November 2016 | Updated: 01:46 GMT, 22 November 2016

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At some point in their careers, most people have felt like an ‘impostor’ in the workplace.

It’s estimated that roughly 70 percent of people have experienced the worry of being in a position they feel is beyond their true capabilities, and experts warn this can have negative effects on both self-esteem and career prospects.

New research suggests that the ‘impostor phenomenon’ is a double-edged sword; while it may encourage people to perform at their best to prevent being exposed, it also causes many to fall short of their full potential.

IS YOUR JOB KILLING YOU?

In a recent study from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, researchers found that frontline service jobs, manufacturing, construction, and entry level service jobs were linked to higher deaths.

And, agricultural workers had 'really low' death rates.

They found that 26 percent of deaths occurred in people with frontline service jobs, while 32 percent of deaths were among people in manufacturing jobs, who reported high demands and low control at work.

Overall, people in low-control, high-demand jobs showed a 15.4 percent increase in the likelihood of death compared with those in low demand jobs.

But, those with high-control at work were linked to a 34 percent decrease in the likelihood of death, compared with those in low demand jobs.

In a new study from the University of Salzburg, Austria, researchers conducted an anonymous online survey of 238 alumni, who now work in various professions.

The survey aimed to highlight the effects of the impostor phenomenon on a person’s attitude toward career development, the ability to adapt to new working conditions, and their knowledge of the job market.

This revealed an array of negative consequences.

While people who feel like fakes in their job may be high-achievers, they are less likely to fulfill their potential, the researchers found.

These people are undervaluing their talent, the researchers say, which could consequently ruin their careers and even have a negative impact on the company.

But, they did find one positive effect.

‘It seems to encourage people to offer their best performance to prevent being uncovered as frauds,’ said Dr Mirjam Neureiter.

Earlier studies have found that people who are confident in their abilities are better able to adapt to changes in the workplace, more so than those who doubt themselves.

And, having a knowledge of the general workforce can help workers to understand their worth, and be encouraged by this.

While the phenomenon builds on itself, preventing people from developing an optimistic perspective, the researchers say that it may help for ‘suffering individuals to be encouraged to talk about their feelings’ in order to break the cycle

The researchers say optimistic workers are likely to be more satisfied, while those who consider themselves ‘impostors’ are more inclined toward feelings of depression.

Even in situations where these people occasionally excel, they tend to remain fearful of their next failure – and, of being exposed as a fake.

‘As the impostor phenomenon contains the fear of being exposed, it might be expedient to provide networking programs or supervision groups where sufferers have the chance to share their experiences and feelings without any blaming,’ Dr Neureiter.

‘Incorporating the impostor topic in support measures might enhance the reduction of impostor feelings as well as their negative effects.’