Four in ten people in the West Midlands (41%) fear they will be "found out" for not being as able to do their job as their bosses and co-workers think they are, according to a new study. Researchers carried out a detailed study into the mood of the region’s workforce and discovered people feel they aren’t good enough at work.
41% of people in the West Midlands expressed fears they will be exposed for not being as good at aspects of their job, slightly more than across the UK as a whole, where 40% of people had the fear. AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) also found the following:
· 68% of people in the West Midlands admit they regularly feel 'out of their depth' at work
· 51% declare they feel they 'chance their luck' on aspects of their job.
· 43% admit to using business "buzz words" while having absolutely no idea what they mean (compared to 40% of people across the UK)
· 52% said they feel they are in a job they perhaps aren't sufficiently qualified for.
· 76% went as far as to admit they were ‘lucky’ to secure their job given the competitive nature of the current employment market.
However, the research also revealed the majority (81%) are mostly happy in their chosen role suggesting the issue is one to do with confidence rather than their actual job. 65% of workers expressed a desire for more on the job training to be made available to help them build their confidence.
Mark Farrar, AAT Chief Executive of AAT says: "The best way to boost your confidence and stop worrying about whether you are ‘out of your depth’ at work is to get some training. Studying for a qualification or training course will give you a strong foundation of knowledge, and could help put an end to feeling like you will be ‘found out’. The benefits of seeking training will not just help you in your career, but will also be of significant advantage to your employer, who will reap the rewards of having a more skilled, motivated and valuable worker in their ranks.”
Many people also expressed fears over the lack of a career ladder to aim for in their current job; 36% of workers in the West Midlands said they are in a 'dead end job' (The same as 36% across the UK as a whole), reporting that made them feel less motivated.