Changing Priorities: Indian Job Seekers Embrace Flexibility Over Traditional Perks Post-Pandemic

New Delhi, 13th August 2023: The landscape of employment in India has undergone significant changes following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various sectors have been impacted differently, with some facing substantial challenges while others have witnessed a surge in demand. The pandemic compelled numerous enterprises to implement remote work arrangements, affording employees a taste of the flexibility inherent in such setups. As a result, many employees are now hesitant to relinquish this newfound flexibility. Traditionally, individuals tended to prioritize salary over flexibility. Nevertheless, the pandemic has engendered an awareness that a balance between work and personal life is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being.

Furthermore, a recent survey titled ‘The Job Search Process: A Look from the Inside Out’, conducted by Indeed, seeks to offer insights into the preferences, obstacles, and aspirations of job seekers in light of global economic shifts. The report illuminates key factors that job seekers value and highlights the challenges they encounter in their pursuit of employment.

According to the survey findings, Indian job seekers assign priority to the following elements when evaluating a job opportunity, ranked in order of importance:

1. Work flexibility: A significant 71% of Indian job seekers consider work flexibility as a paramount factor. This encompasses the ability to work remotely, determine one’s work hours, and take breaks as needed.

2. Work modes: Close behind, 70% of Indian job seekers consider work modes, including hybrid or remote work arrangements.

3. Job Location: Roughly 69% of job seekers in India consider the distance between the job location and their home or current workplace.

4. Compensation and benefits: The compensation offered for the job is weighed by 67% of Indian job seekers. This encompasses salary, benefits, health insurance, family leave policies, and learning and development programs associated with the position.

Moreover, the survey divulges that a majority of job seekers (63%) prefer a hybrid work setting, allowing them to work remotely on certain days and from the office on others. Larger organizations are better positioned to provide this desired flexibility, with 51% of employers indicating their capability to do so.

Sashi Kumar, head of sales at Indeed India, emphasizes the power of job seekers’ needs to drive growth and collaboration, underscoring the importance of viewing the future of work as a journey rather than a destination. He emphasizes the need for employers to be cognizant of these preferences and willing to adapt to attract and retain top-tier talent.

The research further underscores the value job seekers place on transparency and communication during the application and interview processes. Concerns about fairness, potential discrimination, and clarity about the role and process are prevalent among job seekers. In response to this, effective job descriptions, as well as transparent communication, can prove invaluable in saving time and enhancing mutual understanding. The survey also highlights that employers who share their contact information on platforms like Indeed can expedite the hiring process.

Lastly, the survey examined the preferences of blue-collar workers. A considerable 82% of such workers emphasize fair compensation in their job considerations. Additionally, given the nature of their roles, a notable proportion prioritize physical safety (73%) and aim to minimize both physiological and psychological stress at work (49%). In terms of the job search process, 72% of blue-collar job seekers express that the use of straightforward language in job descriptions significantly aids them.

Conducted in May 2023, the survey garnered insights from a diverse pool of participants, comprising 561 employers and 1,249 job seekers, totalling 1,810 individuals. Valuvox researc

hed on behalf of Indeed.