In a telling shift in workplace priorities, 82% of Indian professionals now place equal importance on work-life balance and salary, according to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26 released by edtech firm Great Learning. Based on feedback from over 1,000 professionals across India’s diverse industries, cities, and company sizes, the report also notes a rise in job retention confidence.
The report reveals that a large number of people are on the lookout for better opportunities – with 51% actively job hunting and another 31% passively exploring new roles.
Job seekers are facing hurdles too. About 43% cite intense market competition and low salary offers as key challenges, while 35% point to the need for additional skills or certifications.
Interestingly, 26% of professionals in the 44-60 age group say they now rank work-life balance above pay, signalling a deeper shift in how job satisfaction is being defined in the post-pandemic workplace.
However, the willingness to switch jobs varies across age groups. Only 39% of professionals aged 45 to 60 are actively seeking new roles, indicating a more cautious approach among older workers.AI Adoption Sparks Optimism, Not Fear.
Roughly 73% believe they will keep their current jobs this year, an 11 percentage point jump from last year. This confidence is especially strong in Tier-1 cities and large firms, with 85% of employees in organisations of over 5,000 workers reporting job stability, compared to just 58% in companies with under 50 employees.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace has not dampened spirits. Instead, the report finds that 78% of professionals believe AI will have a positive impact on their careers. Interestingly, MBA and BCom graduates are more optimistic (89% and 84%) than those from BE/BTech backgrounds.
This could be tied to hiring freezes in IT firms that traditionally recruit large numbers of engineers, a trend linked to AI replacing certain mid-level roles.
MORE INDIANS FEEL SAFE IN THEIR JOBS
According to Great Learning’s Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26, 73% of Indian professionals feel confident about keeping their current jobs—up 11% from last year.
Confidence is stronger in big cities, where 31% say they are “extremely confident” about job security, compared to just 18% in Tier-2 cities.
At large companies (with over 5,000 staff), 85% feel secure in their roles, while only 58% in small firms (fewer than 50 staff) feel the same.
AI DOESN’T SCARE, IT INSPIRES
Despite growing use of AI at work, most professionals are staying positive. The report says 78% believe AI will benefit their careers.
- MBA holders (89%) and B.Com grads (84%) are more hopeful than B.E/BTech graduates.
- One reason could be the IT sector slowdown, where AI is replacing some mid-level tech roles.
UPSKILLING IS THE WAY FORWARD
Professionals are eager to grow. A huge 85% believe upskilling is key to staying relevant in their careers, and 81% plan to learn new tech skills in FY2026.
- People in Tier-1 cities and large firms (93%) see more value in upskilling than those in smaller towns and firms (75%).
- In-demand skills include AI, Machine Learning, cybersecurity, and software development.
- Many now prefer short, job-oriented certificate courses over longer Master’s degrees.
LEARNING FOR BETTER PAY, BUT FACING ROADBLOCKS
Money is the main motivation. Around 23% want to upskill for better salaries, while 15% want promotions.
But many struggle to learn due to:
- Lack of time — especially for 37% who find work too demanding.
- Family duties — 25% of women say this gets in the way, compared to 20% of men.
- Costs — 8% of young professionals can’t afford the training they need.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE NOW EQUALS SALARY IN IMPORTANCE
- The report shows a major mindset change — 82% of professionals now value work-life balance just as much as pay.
- 51% are actively job hunting, while another 31% are open to better roles.
- Older professionals (ages 45–60) are less likely to switch jobs, with only 39% actively looking.
- For 26% in this age group, flexibility and well-being matter more than money.
The Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26 highlights a changing mindset among Indian professionals. People are feeling more confident about job stability, staying positive about AI, and showing a strong interest in learning new skills.