Nearly two-thirds of employees working in Indian workplaces are ready to change jobs, and most of them are not planning to wait long. Data shows that 62% of employees in such organisations are actively looking for a new role. Among those already considering a switch, 70% expect to leave their current employer within the next 12 months.
The assessment comes from the Voice of India study on job-switching trends released by Great Place To Work, a global consultancy that partners with companies to improve workplace culture, and is based on nationwide survey data. The data points to a high likelihood of workforce attrition in 2026.
At an overall level, 38% of employees across workplaces say they are actively seeking a new job, while another 27% remain undecided, indicating that a majority of the workforce is either ready to move or open to doing so.
Once employees decide to look for a change, the timeline is short, according to the data. Only 26% of those exploring opportunities plan to stay beyond a year, while a small 4% say they have no immediate plans to switch. The data suggests that job mobility is no longer a slow, exploratory process but a time-bound decision for most employees.
The intent to leave is especially strong in certain sectors and demographic groups.
In healthcare, biotech, and pharmaceuticals, 81% of employees who are considering a job change expect to move within a year. Younger workers show similar urgency, with 76% of Generation Z and 68% of millennials planning to switch jobs within the same period. Supervisors and frontline managers are also part of this trend, as 73% of those contemplating a move expect to exit their current roles within 12 months.
The data below highlights how intent to leave varies across key segments of the workforce
| Employee group | Planning to leave within 1 year |
| Employees in typical workplaces | 62% |
| Employees already considering a switch | 70% |
| Healthcare, biotech, pharma sector | 81% |
| Generation Z | 76% |
| Millennials | 68% |
| Supervisors and frontline managers | 73% |
Why employees are looking for a change
Pay is no longer the primary factor holding employees back. Among those planning to leave, 66% say they are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a better workplace environment and greater flexibility. This trend is visible across age groups, including older employees, indicating a broader shift in how workers evaluate job opportunities.
Workplace culture plays a central role in these decisions. Of employees thinking about leaving, 87% say culture is a key factor when assessing a potential employer. Employees who do not experience a positive workplace environment are far more likely to plan an exit. Six in 10 such employees say they intend to leave, while the number drops by half among those who report a good workplace experience.
Satisfaction levels further explain the gap between those staying and those leaving. Employees preparing to exit report 20% to 27% lower satisfaction than those intending to remain, particularly on fair pay, work-life balance, recognition, and communication from management.
Confidence in leadership also matters. Intent to leave falls by 16% when employees have strong trust in leadership judgment, and by 12% when they experience meaningful opportunities for innovation at work.
Early attrition remains a concern, especially in typical workplaces. Turnover within the first two years of employment is significantly higher compared to Great Place To Work–Certified organisations. The study also points to a gender gap, with 21% more women in typical workplaces reporting intent to leave than women in certified organisations.