New Delhi: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the most influential factor shaping how Indians approach work — overtaking pay and burnout as the top workplace priority, according to a report released on Thursday.
The study by job platform Indeed found that 71% of Indian workers now use AI to validate ideas, solve problems, or plan career moves — signalling AI’s evolution from a mere support tool to a trusted work companion.
The report noted that three out of four employees (75%) have embraced at least one new workplace behaviour, such as skill nomadism, micro-retirements, moonlighting, flexible schedules, or “bare-minimum Mondays.”
Among entry-to-junior level workers, 68% are experimenting with new ways of learning and career planning. Meanwhile, about 40% of all employees said they integrate work and personal life through flexible work, side jobs, or short breaks.
However, perceptions diverge: 42% of employers view job-hopping or limited office presence as signs of disengagement, while 62% of employees see them as practical strategies to adapt to change.
As workers shift roles more frequently and continuously upskill, the report said this behaviour enables them to stay employable and navigate evolving technologies and job demands.
When asked about key drivers of these changing work habits, 43% cited flexibility and autonomy, 37% pointed to stress and burnout, and 30% mentioned job security concerns.
Indeed also reported that one in five employers saw attrition rise by more than 20% in the past year, urging companies to align talent strategies — including training, career pathways, and retention — with shifting employee expectations.
The survey, conducted by software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider Valuvox for Indeed, gathered insights from 3,872 respondents — comprising 1,288 employers and 2,584 employees across 14 industries, the report added.
