- For 71% of
Indian jobseekers , work flexibility is the most crucial parameter. when evaluating a job opportunity. - 80% of the informal employees want better
medical benefits . - Jobseekers want to know the salary range before applying for a role and want to hear back from recruiters in a timely manner.
The aspirations of the Indian workforce - especially the millennials and the GenZs - have changed dramatically after the Covid-19 pandemic. Indian jobseekers are now prioritising work flexibility, work modes and job location much more when evaluating a job opportunity. Moreover, the
A recent Indeed India survey of 1,810 individuals – consisting of 561 employers and 1,249 jobseekers – revealed that most jobseekers prefer to work in a hybrid setting, where they can work from home some days and from the office on other days. Larger organisations are more likely to offer the desired flexibility, with 51% of employers stating that they do.
For as many as 71% of Indian jobseekers, work flexibility takes the top spot. This includes the ability to work from home, set your own hours, and take breaks as needed. For those going to the office, the importance of factoring in the proximity of the job location to their office space has increased.
"Streamlining processes, building aspirations and empathetic consideration can really empower jobseekers and unlock a diverse pool of talent. Hence, employers who want to attract and retain top talent need to be aware of these preferences and be willing to adapt,” says Sashi Kumar, head of sales, Indeed India.
In addition to flexibility, jobseekers also value clarity and communication during the job search process. They want to know the salary range before applying for a role, and they want to hear back from recruiters in a timely manner.
Another survey conducted by Quess Corp found that 80% of the informal employees expect their employers to provide them with the security of ESI (employees’ state insurance) and other medical benefits. Moreover, the aspiration to transition from informal employment to the formal sector is higher for women.
"With high aspirations regarding skilling, social security, and healthcare benefits, India's informal economy is as aspirational to benefit from EPFO, ESIC, and other social security benefits as their formal counterparts. Our current laws enable coverage of such social security benefits only for organisations that have above 10 or 20 employees. This leaves behind a huge class of citizens that are not benefited by these laws," says Lohit Bhatia, president of workforce management, Quess Corp. EPFO refers to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation.
These findings suggest that there is a growing demand for formal employment in India, and that technology is playing a role in helping people make the transition. Moreover, work structures may never go back to a fully work-from-office structure as the demand for a hybrid culture has seeped in deep after the pandemic showed that work was possible without leaving the comforts of your home.