Gen Z is entering work in a confidence crisis. Employers need a new playbook

Nearly half of Gen Z workers, 48% to be exact, frequently or consistently feel they are not enough. That statistic should stop every leader who reads it, because it isn’t a motivation problem, a work ethic problem, or a talent problem. It’s a confidence problem. As an executive performance coach who has spent more than two decades helping Olympians, professional athletes, Fortune 500 leaders, and high-performing teams thrive under pressure, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement for performance. Yet our recent National Research Study on Confidence found that Gen Zers (ages 18 to 29 in our study) are entering the workforce carrying a psychological weight many organizations aren’t prepared to address. Beyond the 48% who report frequently feeling inadequate, 47% regularly compare themselves to others and battle a harsh inner critic. These aren’t just personal struggles. They’re workplace challenges, because when confidence drops, performance follows. Our study found that employees experiencing low confidence are more likely to second-guess themselves, hold back opinions, avoid additional responsibilities, procrastinate, and consider leaving their jobs. The co…