Indian prioritise work-life balance; willing to quit inflexible jobs

Bengaluru: In the midst of the debate around the 90-hour workweek, a Randstad survey indicates that 52% of Indian workers would quit a job if it did not offer enough flexibility. This percentage is far greater than the global average of 31%.

About 60% of respondents said they would leave a job if they did not get along with their manager, according to Randstad India's Workmonitor 2025 study, which was made public on Tuesday.

Remarkably, 58% of workers (compared to 44% worldwide) have quit their employment because of toxic workplaces, and 53% of workers (compared to 27% worldwide) quit because they felt uncomfortable expressing their personal opinions, ENS Economic Bureau reported.

Viswanath PS, MD & CEO of Randstad India, a talent company, said, “The generational divide in Indian workplace expectations is narrowing, and the data is clear—flexibility is no longer a benefit; it’s a baseline expectation across all age groups. Whether it’s Gen Z entering the workforce, millennials balancing career growth with personal commitments, or Gen X in leadership roles, everyone values the ability to work on their own terms.”

He added, “This shift signals a fundamental change for organisations—flexibility must be embedded into work design, not treated as a perk. Employers must recognise this shift and adapt their strategies to meet the evolving expectations of talent. Those who fail to do so risk losing top talent to organisations offering more progressive, personalised work experiences that empower talent to grow, contribute, and thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.”

The survey demonstrates how the country’s talent environment is developing in response to the rise of technology. According to the report, traditional motivators such as income are losing ground to variables such as workplace flexibility, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for learning and development (L&D).

Approximately 69% of Indian workers emphasise a sense of belonging, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive workplace culture, compared to 55% globally. Furthermore, 67 per cent of employees would leave their employment if it did not provide L&D opportunities, compared to 41 per cent worldwide. As AI gains popularity, 43% of Indian employees believe AI training is the most sought-after expertise.

In India, the demand for flexible working hours is substantially higher across all generations than the global average. While Gen Z (62 per cent vs. 45 per cent globally) desires flexible hours as they enter a digital-first job market with long commutes and intense job competitiveness, millennials (66 per cent vs. 39 per cent globally) appreciate the flexibility to combine work with childcare and family obligations.

Gen X (65% vs. 25% globally), most often in leadership roles, values flexible working hours to balance strategic obligations with personal well-being.

In contrast to global markets where hybrid work models are well-established, India's work culture, infrastructure issues, and deeply embedded family duties make flexibility not only a preference but a requirement across generations, according to the survey.