Not all workers have the innate ability to be confident. Our confidence depends on many exterior factors related to how others perceive and treat us but also factors, related to the way we perceive ourselves and how we deal with work.

Numerous studies and research have shown that workers with adequate levels of self-esteem and confidence perform better at work. Thus, companies must work on strategies to improve employees’ confidence in the workplace. It is particularly important that leaders and managers closely monitor employees’ work and recognise their success and efforts. Providing positive or negative feedback and constructive criticism is crucial.

Given that competences and confidence are strictly linked, organisations should be familiar with their workers’ skills, talents and passions. This helps direct employees with the best profile to the right projects or tasks, which increases the chances of success. In addition, companies should encourage workers to develop their confidence and skills through workshops, conferences, and courses.

It is crucial that companies take into consideration that workers have different needs, so the same programmes will not fit all. The right onboarding process or training can offer excellent results. It helps employees feel more capable and confident in performing their jobs.

Additionally, strategies regarding workforce communication are important. The way colleagues and leaders communicate can affect workers’ confidence. A 2012 study conducted by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Waldman showed that while negative language causes a lack of motivation, positive language improves confidence. A way to organise ideas, process emotions and avoid conflicts is to be aware of the tone, speed and volume used in one’s voice. It is also important to take small breaks while speaking.

So far, we have focused more on the strategies that companies must implement to address this problem. But it is also important to remember that the confidence gap between men and women in the workplace is an important issue. In many situations like job interviews, female workers might be more competent, but given that men are more confident, it is common they get the position, project, promotion, etc. instead of women. An interesting 2019 Peakon study showed that employees working in companies with women in leadership positions were more confident about their work organisations.

Companies are not the only ones responsible for implementing strategies to improve workers’ confidence. Employees also need to work on their confidence. It is vital to improve the way we talk to ourselves by being kind and positive. Celebrating our achievements and increasing our knowledge are other ways that can strengthen work performance and confidence.

Even the smallest changes can have a big impact on our mood and confidence. We need to remember that it is ok not to feel 100% confident all the time, but we should work for it. Unfortunately, Gartner’s Global Talent Monitor report from 2018 in the UK showed that employees’ confidence has declined.

References:

1. Want to Motivate Your Team? 4 Ways to Inspire Confidence With the Words You Say, March 2019, Inc.
2. In Confidence: 5 Secrets For Stepping Into The Spotlight At Work, August 2019, Forbes
3. 10 Things You Haven’t Tried To Boost Your Confidence At Work, Lifehack
4. 4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Confidence on the Job, Inc.