How Tall Poppy Syndrome Shows Up

86.8% of respondents said they had experienced Tall Poppy Syndrome at work. The most common experiences included having their achievements downplayed (77%), being left out of meetings or discussions or ignored (72.4%), being undermined because of their achievements (70.7%), and seeing others take credit for their work (66.1%).

“Not only does our data reveal the negative effects of being cut down because of one’s achievements, it helps us understand how the cutting is being done, who is most likely to do the cutting, and most importantly, legitimizes the experiences of women who, in many cases, have experienced this throughout their careers.”
— Dr. Rumeet Billan

The Cost to Women and Workplaces

The impact extends well beyond recognition.

85.6% of respondents said Tall Poppy Syndrome increased their stress, 73.8% reported a negative impact on their mental health, and 66.2% experienced lower self-confidence.

It also affects how women engage with their work. 75% said it impacted their productivity, 67.8% looked for another role or job, and 50% left a previous role or job.

“When ambitious workers find themselves in an environment where excelling is penalized, their productivity will be impacted, and they will have one foot out the door.”
— Dr. Rumeet Billan

What Needs to Change

The research points to a clear need for workplace cultures that recognize achievement rather than penalize it.

Organizations can begin by:

  • increasing awareness of Tall Poppy Syndrome and what it looks like in practice
  • creating greater transparency around recognition, advancement, and opportunity
  • holding people accountable for behaviour that undermines others’ success
  • investing in leadership, bias, communication, and psychological safety training
  • creating cultures where employees can openly share and celebrate achievement

About the Research

The study was conducted between January 9 and February 10, 2023, with 4,710 respondents across 103 countries.

It builds on Women of Influence’s original 2018 Canadian Tall Poppy Syndrome study, conducted in partnership with Thomson Reuters, Canadian HR Reporter, and Viewpoint Leadership. That research surveyed 1,501 respondents, with 87.3% reporting that their workplace achievements had been undermined by others.